MP man arrested for posing as 'Hindu' to sexually exploit minor via messaging app

Ahmedabad/Gwalior, July 17 (AHN) A 25‑year‑old man from Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior has been arrested after allegedly posing as a Hindu youth on a messaging application to sexually exploit a 17‑year‑old girl, Ahmedabad Rural police said on Friday.

Police said the girl was contacted in February this year on a messaging app called “A-Chat” by someone using the name “Sonu” and claiming to be a 23‑year‑old unmarried man.

Over months, the man, who later identified himself as Bittukhan alias Sonu Rahishkhan, obtained the girl’s mobile number, moved the conversation to WhatsApp, and repeatedly pressured her to make nude video calls and to meet in person for physical relations.

“When she refused to comply, he threatened to make intimate images public and began blackmailing her. He also obtained access to her Gmail and Instagram passwords and used those accounts to monitor and coerce her," officials told AHN.

The girl eventually told her mother, who lodged a complaint at Kanbha Police Station.

The police registered an FIR under Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita, 2023, sections 75(2), 78(2), 79, 351(2); Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act) 2012 sections 8, 11 (2)(4)(5), 12; and Information Technology Act 2000 sections 66(c)(d), 67(b)(2).

A joint team from the local police station and the local crime branch carried out technical surveillance and cyber analysis to trace the accused. He was arrested within hours at his residence.

Police said that he works at a furniture shop. “Our team identified his location through cyber forensics and effected the arrest promptly. The accused is married and has a child. This information, the suspect has concealed while assuming a Hindu and unmarried identity to gain the victim’s trust," officials added.

During questioning, the accused reportedly admitted he was communicating with multiple young women on the app using the same or similar identities.

“He disclosed that he was simultaneously talking to three to four girls,” a police officer involved in the investigation said.

Police have not said whether other victims have lodged complaints; they added they will approach potentially affected girls to establish if further offences occurred.

The police emphasised that no money is known to have been taken from the victim.

Police urged parents and young people to exercise caution when using social media and messaging applications.

“Do not share personal photos or videos with unknown persons online. Verify anyone’s claimed identity before trusting them. Do not share account passwords. If someone attempts to blackmail you, contact your guardian or the nearest police station immediately,” officials emphasised.

The police confirmed the victim’s identity is being kept confidential under legal provisions. Investigations are ongoing.