The Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Branch has arrested a second accused in the interstate fake astrology blackmail racket and uncovered suspicious financial transactions worth nearly Rs 60 lakh linked to the gang over the past two years.

More than 65 people are believed to have fallen victim.Vikas Bhargav was arrested from Jaipur and produced before court which sent him to police custody for four days. The prime accused, Ravi Bhargav, is absconding.

How the trap worked
DCP Cyber Crime Branch Lavina Sinha said the gang manipulated victims into WhatsApp video calls and coerced them into appearing on camera. The calls were secretly recorded and the footage was used for blackmail and extortion.
In some cases, obscene images were sent using WhatsApp's "One View" mode to intensify threats and psychological pressure.The gang operated under the guise of astrology, spiritual healing, pujas and vashikaran rituals, using fake Instagram and Facebook profiles posing as astrologers, eunuchs and spiritual gurumas. Victims seeking help for love affairs, marriage disputes and personal problems were targeted. Once they shared photographs for purported rituals, the accused morphed the images and threatened to make them viral on social media unless money was paid. In the present case, the gang extorted at least Rs 1,43,951 through multiple online transactions.

Accounts and accused
Using Instagram's advertisement boosting, the gang targeted users aged 18-35 with ads about astrology, love problems and relationship issues, reaching emotionally distressed individuals across different states. Within one month, investigators found nearly 300 mobile numbers had been contacted.The Cyber Crime Branch had earlier arrested Rajnish Bhargav from Bikaner in Rajasthan, the first accused in the case. Instagram accounts under investigation include "astrologer_pooja_kinnar_maa", "astrotalk_with_bheravlal", "kinnargurumatasushilaji", "acharya_vikasshastri", "aghoribalaknath", "kinnar_maa_santoshdevi", "dishank_sashtri" and "astro_surya_prakash_shastri". Facebook pages "Om Mahakal Jotyshi" and "Kinnar Maa Santosh Devi" were also used through sponsored advertisements. The operation was part of Mission Cyber Rakshika #SecureHerSpace, launched to protect women from cyber crimes and digital blackmail.
The Cyber Crime Branch urged citizens not to share personal photographs or information with unknown individuals online. Victims may contact helpline 1930 or approach the nearest police station.