A 20-year-old woman from Bengaluru has accused her former boyfriend, Mohan Kumar, of extorting ₹2.57 crore and a luxury car from her by threatening to release intimate videos they recorded together. The couple, who met in boarding school, reconnected years later, leading to a relationship that turned manipulative. Following her complaint, Kumar was arrested, and police have recovered ₹80 lakh of the extorted amount. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the case.
A Disturbing Case of Blackmail
In a shocking incident that has captured public attention, Bengaluru police have arrested Mohan Kumar, a 22-year-old man, for allegedly extorting ₹2.57 crore from his girlfriend using intimate videos as leverage. The victim reported that Kumar recorded these videos during their relationship under the pretense of marriage but later used them to blackmail her. According to Bengaluru Police Commissioner B. Dayanand, this incident is described as “a well-planned crime,” highlighting the calculated nature of Kumar’s actions. The victim was coerced into transferring large sums of money and valuable items, including luxury watches and a high-end car.
The Victim’s Ordeal
The victim initially withdrew ₹1.25 crore from her grandmother’s account and transferred it to Kumar’s accounts over several months, fearing the release of private videos. In addition to cash transfers, she was forced to provide expensive gifts and even facilitated transactions to Kumar’s father’s account. This manipulation left her financially strained and emotionally distressed until she finally decided to approach the police for help. “This was a well-planned crime,” stated Commissioner Dayanand, emphasizing the need for victims of such coercive tactics to come forward.
Expert Advice on Digital Safety
To help individuals protect themselves from similar situations, experts recommend several strategies. Dr. Anjali Mehta, a psychologist specialising in relationship dynamics, advises individuals to maintain clear boundaries regarding personal content shared in relationships. “Always communicate openly about consent and privacy,” she states. Additionally, cyber safety expert Ravi Sharma suggests that individuals should keep digital evidence of any coercive communications and report such incidents immediately to authorities. “The sooner you act, the better your chances of stopping the abuse,” he adds.
Legal Proceedings and Recovery Efforts
Following the arrest of Mohan Kumar, police have successfully recovered ₹80 lakh of the extorted money. Investigations are ongoing to determine if there were any accomplices involved in this elaborate scheme. Authorities are also focusing on raising awareness about the dangers of digital exploitation and blackmail in relationships, urging individuals to be vigilant about their personal privacy.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This case serves as a critical reminder of the importance of consumer safety in an increasingly digital world where personal information can be weaponized against individuals. It underscores the need for educational initiatives that empower young people to recognize manipulative behaviors in relationships and understand their rights regarding digital privacy. As we reflect on this alarming incident, we invite our readers: What measures do you think should be implemented to protect individuals from such forms of exploitation?
