A cybercrime investigation squad of the Kozhikode rural police on Saturday (March 22) arrested a Thalassery native for allegedly creating fake social media profiles using photographs of several women and attempting to exploit them online. The accused, identified as Mohammed Saheem, 29, was taken into custody following complaints filed by a few women who were reportedly targeted.
According to police sources, the suspect had created multiple fake Instagram accounts using a paid mobile application to impersonate others and contact women under false identities. He is alleged to have attempted to manipulate and coerce the women into inappropriate conversations. The police also suspect that he recorded objectionable videos of several individuals through deceptive means.
“There were several such videos found in his possession. He was operating multiple accounts simultaneously and interacting with different individuals,” said a police officer part of the investigation team. The accused was remanded in police custody by the court for further inquiry.
The case was taken up on priority following instructions from District Police Chief (Kozhikode Rural) K.E. Baiju. Some complainants had reportedly approached Mr. Baiju directly, stating that the accused had trapped several women through online harassment.
Police have recovered the suspect’s mobile phones and social media account details, which have been sent for cyber forensic analysis. They are also verifying his possible involvement in similar offences, including attempts to target minors online.
Published - March 23, 2025 07:21 pm IST
