Introduction
A shocking case of cyberblackmail has surfaced in Gurugram, Haryana, where a 15-year-old schoolgirl was forced to transfer ₹80 lakh from her grandmother's bank account over a period of several months. The blackmailers exploited her after learning about her access to the funds, leaving her in a state of fear and helplessness.
How It Started?
The ordeal began when the Class IX girl casually mentioned at school that her 75-year-old grandmother had received a significant sum from a land sale. A Class X boy overheard this conversation and relayed the information to his elder brother, Sumit Kataria, a 20-year-old accused in the case.
Kataria then connected with the girl on social media, gaining her trust before manipulating her into sharing personal photos. He later used doctored images to blackmail her, threatening to spread them online unless she transferred money.
The Blackmail and Money Transfers
Fearing humiliation, the teenager began withdrawing money in multiple transactions, transferring the funds to different accounts provided by the blackmailers. Over time, ₹80 lakh was siphoned off, draining her grandmother's savings.
The situation escalated when one of the accused confronted her at her coaching center, making her visibly distressed. A teacher noticed her unusual behavior and questioned her, leading to the revelation of the entire scheme.
Police Investigation and Arrests
Following the discovery, the girl’s grandmother filed a police complaint in December 2024. Law enforcement launched an investigation, leading to the arrest of six individuals involved in the extortion ring. So far, authorities have recovered ₹36 lakh, and further investigations are underway to trace the remaining amount.
Conclusion
This case highlights the dangers of oversharing personal information and the threats lurking in the digital world. Parents, teachers, and young individuals need to stay vigilant about online interactions and potential cyber threats.
