A disturbing cyber deception case has surfaced in Bengaluru, where a 40-year-old teacher was allegedly cheated, emotionally manipulated and blackmailed by a man who posed as her former classmate online.
Police said the complainant, whose identity has been protected, accused Arshad (37) of impersonation, extortion and harassment.
According to the complaint, the accused contacted the woman through WhatsApp about a year ago, introducing himself as her old classmate.
Over the next few months, he allegedly gained her trust and claimed he could arrange special temple darshan in Tirupati. The woman reportedly transferred money for bookings for family and friends.
Later, he allegedly claimed to be suffering from cancer and sought financial help, leading her to send nearly ₹50,000.
Police said the accused then allegedly exploited her emotional vulnerability and demanded an intimate video.
After receiving it, he is accused of threatening to leak the content to her family and acquaintances unless more money was paid.
The woman also alleged that he demanded sexual favours and continued pressuring her despite repeated pleas to delete the material.
Determined to end the ordeal, the complainant arranged to meet him on April 8 along with acquaintances. They then took him to Electronic City Police Station.
While the complaint was being written, police said the accused allegedly harmed himself with a razor blade. Officers immediately shifted him to a private hospital, where he recovered.
Investigators later found that the accused had purchased the complainant's old mobile phone, accessed her messaging accounts and used retrieved information to contact her.
A case has been registered under extortion, harassment and related sections of law. Further investigation is underway