Ex-Partner Threatens Woman with Acid Assault, Extortion via Photo Leak
Delhi University Graduate Accused of Blackmailing Ex-Girlfriend
In a chilling case of online harassment, Delhi Police's Cyber Cell apprehended Himanshu Arora, a 37-year-old Delhi University alumnus, for allegedly blackmailing his former lover using fabricated social media profiles and email accounts.
The relationship between Mr. Arora and the victim began on Instagram in 2021, where their friendship blossomed. However, over time, the man manipulated her emotionally to gain access to private photos and videos. He then leverage these assets for blackmailing and threats.
The woman received menacing messages from various fabricated Instagram accounts and email IDs. The blackmailer threatened to release her private content, attack her family, and implicate her in a false case. These threats also included an imminent acid attack if she did not comply with his demands, which culminated in a monetary extortion of Rs 1 lakh.
The Police launched an investigation after the victim filed a complaint on Wednesday. During their inquiry, they discovered and traced nine fake Instagram and Gmail accounts that were used to torment the victim. The subsequent investigation led to a mobile number registered under the accused's mother's name.
The arrest of Mr. Arora took place on Thursday. The Police seized two mobile phones, a laptop, and explicit images of the victim. They have also taken control of the fake Instagram account.
Mr. Arora, a father of a 12-year-old daughter, operates a sanitary goods business in East Delhi's industrial area. When confronted by the woman, he attempted to evade responsibility by blaming a technician for stealing his laptop data. However, Mr. Arora has confessed to his transgressions during interrogation.
The Delhi Police have warned the public to exercise caution while sharing personal information online and advised against sharing such data with anyone on social media platforms. Parents have been advised to monitor their children's online activities closely.
[1] Faith in Digital Safety: Risks and Protections in the Digital Age - A Report on the State of Cybercrime in India in 2021.[2] NDTV News, Himanshu Arora, Delhi University Grad, Arrested for Blackmailing Ex-Girlfriend, https://www.ndtv.com/delhi-news/himanshu-arora-delhi-university-graduate-arrested-for-blackmailing-ex-girlfriend-2811309[3] Republic World, Delhi University Graduate Arrested for Threatening Woman with Acid Attack, https://www.republicworld.com/india-news/delhi/delhi-university-graduate-arrested-for-threatening-woman-with-acid-attack.html[4] Hindustan Times, Himanshu Arora: Delhi University Graduate Accused of Blackmailing Ex-Girlfriend, https://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/himanshu-arora-delhi-university-graduate-accused-of-blackmailing-ex-girlfriend-101678342660665.html[5] The Indian Express, Delhi University Graduate Himanshu Arora Allegedly Blackmailed Ex-Girlfriend, Threatened with Acid Attack, https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/delhi-university-graduate-himanshu-arora-allegedly-blackmailed-ex-girlfriend-threatened-with-acid-attack-7856929/
- The incident involving former Delhi University student Himanshu Arora underscores the increasing necessity for comprehensive cybersecurity education and awareness in our digital-driven lifestyle, particularly in matters of love-and-dating or general-news discussions.
- As technology continues to permeate various aspects of our relationships and interactions, cases like the blackmailing of the victim by Himanshu Arora serve as stark reminders of the possible cyber threats that could stem from criminal elements in the crime-and-justice sphere.
- With the rise in digital harassment and blackmailing instances like Himanshu Arora's case, general news outlets, as well as technology and lifestyle publications, are encouraged to devote more attention to raising awareness about cybersecurity best practices, ensuring the public remains safeguarded in the digital age.
