Sambhal: A sensational case of blackmail has come to light against a social media influencer in Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh. Influencer Arisha, who has more than one lakh followers on Instagram, is accused of befriending a young man and trapping him, then extorting Rs 55,000 by blackmailing him based on his personal photos and videos. On the complaint of the victim, the police have registered a case against four people, including the influencer, and started an investigation. At present, the police are investigating the entire incident, and digital evidence is also being examined to confirm the allegations.
How did the Nainital meeting turn into trouble?
The victim, Shahrukh, who runs a fast food centre in Sambhal, says that he met Arisha in Nainital about three years ago. Both were residents of the same district, so conversations started, and later contact increased. The young man alleges that during this time the influencer gained his trust and obtained his personal photos and videos. Initially, he had no doubt about it, but with the passage of time, circumstances changed, and this familiarity became a cause of trouble for him.
Why did the young man suspect gang involvement?
In the complaint, Shahrukh has claimed that after some time he started finding Arisha’s activities suspicious. On gathering information, he realised that Arisha was not acting alone but was allegedly working with some other people. After this he tried to distance himself from her, but then he allegedly started receiving threats. The young man alleges that people named Mahmood Khan, Anas and Shuaib also got involved in this whole matter and were constantly pressuring him to give money.
Why did the threats not stop even after taking 55 thousand rupees?
The victim says that due to fear of defamation, he paid a total of Rs 55 thousand in different instalments. Despite this, the accused allegedly did not stop blackmailing and kept demanding more money again and again. Tired of constant mental pressure and threats, he finally decided to seek shelter from the police. The youth says that if action had not been taken in time, more money could have been recovered from him.
In which direction is the police investigation moving?
After receiving the complaint, Sambhal police have registered an FIR under relevant sections. Officials say that all the allegations made in the case are being investigated impartially. Mobile phones, social media chats, digital records and other electronic evidence will also be examined. Police say that after the completion of the investigation, further legal action will be taken on the basis of whatever facts emerge. At present, no accused has been declared guilty and all charges are under investigation.
