Balotra police uncovers sextortion case, arrest suspect

Jaisalmer: Balotra police, in a significant breakthrough arrested an accused in sextortion case, Saturday. The case was registered on Feb 26 and the accused had masqueraded as a girl on social media and defrauded an elderly man. The accused swindled the victim of Rs 1.60 lakh.
Hari Shankar, superintendent of police, Balotra district, told TOI that under Operation Cyber Shield, the cyber cell of Balotra solved the sextortion case and arrested Baburam, the accused.
He said that an elderly man approached the cyber cell on Feb 26 and reported receiving a WhatsApp call from a girl's profile. After a conversation, the caller cited an emergency, prompting him to transfer money to her account. The victim was blackmailed for additional funds over a period of time. The caller, impersonating as Delhi police officer from a new number, threatened legal action and demanded more money. A total of Rs 1,60,300 was extorted from him. As the demands escalated, the victim sought assistance. He said that he was a heart patient and depending on medication for survival, seeking help in resolving the matter.
The police added that based on the report of fraud and threats via messages and calls on social media, a case was registered immediately at Sindhari police station.
The suspect, Baburam (21) is a resident of Mewanagar, under Jasol police station area, Balotra district. Baburam was presented in court Saturday and sent to police remand.