A Bengaluru techie’s search for love on the dating app Bumble allegedly turned into a harrowing nightmare when a woman named Sangeetha reportedly lured him into a staged trap involving fake drugs and severe extortion demands.
After weeks of chatting, the victim was coerced into paying ₹2 lakh under threats from a group that wrongly accused him of drug possession, demanding ₹15 lakh, reported NDTV. Police investigations revealed the narcotics to be harmless baking soda. Six suspects, including Sangeetha and her associates, were arrested. Authorities warn of rising cybercrime incidents involving dating apps and urge users to exercise caution and due diligence.
A Planned Conspiracy Using Love and Fear
The Bengaluru resident, a tech professional, allegedly met Sangeetha on Bumble and developed regular communication, including texts and video calls, over several weeks. The hopeful romantic engagement took a sinister turn when, after meeting in person at a local coffee shop, Sangeetha invited him to an adjoining room.
There, four men abruptly entered and accused the man of possessing narcotics. They brandished packets filled with a white powder, which police later confirmed was baking soda, attempting to frame him in a fabricated drug scandal. Under psychological pressure, compounded by Sangeetha feigning emotional distress and threatening self-harm, the victim was coerced into paying ₹2 lakh electronically to avoid legal trouble.
The extortionists allegedly demanded ₹15 lakh but abruptly disappeared after the smaller payment. Police arrested Sangeetha, along with five accomplices named Sharanabasappa, Raju Mane, Shyam Sundar, Abhishek, and Birbal, unveiling the entire affair as a calculated con to extort money from unsuspecting individuals using dating platforms.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Sajeeth V J told NDTV that at least one of the accused had prior involvement in similar scams. Investigations are ongoing to identify additional victims lured by similar tactics. Authorities stress that this case represents an alarming trend of cybercrime increasingly exploiting emotional vulnerabilities through dating apps—a contemporary honeytrap combining romance with ruthless extortion.
Cybercrime’s New Frontier: Dating Apps as Hunting Grounds
Digital dating platforms like Bumble have revolutionised social connections in India’s urban centres, providing opportunities for companionship and relationship building. However, this accessibility has also created new avenues for fraudsters to exploit. Criminal networks are reportedly deploying fake profiles, emotional manipulation, and staged scenarios — like fake drug raids — to instil fear and coerce money from victims.
Experts emphasise that increased digital literacy among app users is vital to recognising red flags, such as suspicious requests for private meetings, pressure for quick money transfers, or inconsistent profiles. Law enforcement agencies recommend users verify identities through video calls, meet in public places, and report any suspicious behaviour promptly.
Additionally, technology companies are urged to enhance verification processes and safety features to curb such fraudulent schemes. This Bengaluru case is part of a growing pattern nationwide, signalling a pressing need for coordinated efforts involving policymakers, app providers, law enforcement, and civil society to safeguard users’ trust and safety.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
While online dating platforms foster meaningful connections and personal growth, incidents like this highlight the darker potential lurking on these digital spaces. The Logical Indian advocates for a balanced approach that combines empathy towards victims with firm, systemic action against perpetrators.
We urge the industry and regulators to prioritise transparency, enhanced security measures, and comprehensive user education to anticipate and prevent evolving cyber threats. Simultaneously, fostering respectful and kind online communities is essential to encourage trust and reduce exploitation risks.
