A 17-year-old girl from the Alambagh area in Lucknow recently lodged a police complaint accusing a man of creating a fake Instagram profile using her photos and personal details.
The man allegedly used the fake account to harass the girl and send threatening messages both to her and her family. According to the complaint filed at the Krishnanagar police station, the accused threatened to misuse the girl’s pictures further if she did not comply with his demands.
When the girl refused to give in, the harassment escalated, including death threats that caused immense fear and distress to her and her family. Police have initiated an investigation with assistance from the cyber cell to trace and identify the perpetrator, and legal actions are underway under relevant sections of the Information Technology Act and the Indian Penal Code.
Details of the Harassment and Police Response
The accused is reported to have sent offensive and obscene messages not only to the girl but also to her relatives and acquaintances through the fake Instagram profile, amplifying the family’s distress. The victim’s family expressed the severe mental suffering caused by this misuse of her identity. The complaint reveals that the girl faced continuous intimidation, including warnings that her photos would be shared publicly and used maliciously if she resisted the harasser’s demands.
Station House Officer Rakesh Kumar of Krishnanagar police station stated that efforts are ongoing to track the digital footprint of the suspect to ensure his apprehension and bring the case to justice. The police have urged residents to promptly report incidents of cyber harassment, assuring them that such crimes will be taken seriously and handled with urgency.
Background: Rising Trend of Online Harassment
This incident is part of a growing pattern of cybercrimes targeting young women and minors in India, where fake social media accounts are increasingly used as tools for defamation and intimidation. Lucknow has reported numerous similar cases in 2025, reflecting a nationwide rise in online harassment incidents documented by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).
Many victims remain silent due to shame or fear, so the actual number of cases is believed to be higher. Previous cases in the region include fabricated Instagram profiles used to post objectionable comments and harass women, sometimes leading to arrests and legal proceedings. Experts underline the urgent need for digital education and awareness campaigns to protect vulnerable users, alongside enhanced policing capabilities.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The incident painfully highlights the emotional and psychological damage cyber harassment inflicts on victims and their families. The Logical Indian champions a future where digital spaces are safe, respectful, and affirming for all users.
It calls for greater empathy, informed dialogue, and prompt action against online abuse while promoting digital literacy and resilience in youth. Technology should empower individuals and communities to connect and grow, not to threaten or intimidate.
