In a recent development in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, the police have apprehended three individuals accused of extorting money from unsuspecting victims by luring them through various dating apps. The accused have been identified as 36-year-old Shaheen Parveen, 30-year-old Deepanshi, and 25-year-old Ankit Kumar. Their arrest came following a complaint lodged by a Delhi resident, shedding light on a disturbing operation that had been running for several years.
The victims fell prey to the elaborate scheme orchestrated by the accused, who manipulated dating apps to ensnare their targets. The modus operandi involved creating fake profiles, engaging in conversations, and exchanging contact details with chosen targets. Subsequently, the victims were lured to the accused’s residence in Vasundhara, where they were subjected to a devious plan.
The victim who filed the complaint narrated a harrowing experience. He disclosed that he had met Deepanshi on the dating app ‘Tagged,’ and after several days of chatting, she invited him to her home in Vasundhara. However, what followed was a sinister act. Deepanshi provided the victim with a drink laced with sedatives, causing him to lose consciousness. While he was incapacitated, she recorded compromising videos of him and then demanded a ransom of Rs 50,000. The victim, fearing the potential consequences, promptly transferred the amount to her Paytm account. However, this was not the end of his ordeal, as Deepanshi subsequently demanded a staggering sum of Rs 5 lakh to delete the incriminating videos.
The police swiftly took action upon receiving the complaint, filing a case under Section 406 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and relevant sections of the Information Technology (IT) Act. A comprehensive investigation was launched to uncover the chilling details of the accused’s activities.
During the course of the investigation, it became evident that Shaheen Parveen played a pivotal role in orchestrating this nefarious operation. The gang’s modus operandi had been in operation for several years, victimizing countless individuals.
The accused skillfully manipulated dating apps by creating counterfeit profiles and establishing communication with their chosen targets. Once a rapport had been established, Deepanshi would arrange for the victim to visit her residence. There, she would offer a beverage, carefully laced with sedatives. As soon as the unsuspecting target succumbed to unconsciousness, Ankit and Robin, accomplices of Deepanshi, would join her in executing their sinister plan. They would record objectionable videos of the incapacitated victims, further exacerbating their predicament.
The arrest of these three individuals sheds light on the dangers lurking in the digital dating world. It underscores the importance of exercising caution and prudence when engaging with strangers on dating apps and social platforms. While these platforms offer opportunities to meet new people and potentially form connections, they can also provide a breeding ground for criminals with malicious intent.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the need for stringent cybersecurity measures and vigilance when interacting with individuals online. It highlights the responsibility of platform providers to enhance user safety and implement robust verification processes to weed out fraudulent profiles and protect users from potential harm.
The Uttar Pradesh Police’s swift action in apprehending the accused is commendable and serves as a deterrent to others who may contemplate engaging in similar criminal activities. It is imperative that law enforcement agencies and authorities continue to educate the public about online safety and take decisive action against those who seek to exploit the vulnerabilities of innocent individuals.
In conclusion, the arrest of Shaheen Parveen, Deepanshi, and Ankit Kumar in Ghaziabad is a stark reminder of the perils of online interactions, particularly on dating apps. Their elaborate scheme to extort money from unsuspecting victims through deceit and manipulation highlights the need for caution and awareness in the digital age. It is incumbent upon both individuals and platform providers to prioritize online safety and take proactive measures to protect against such malicious activities.
