Incident Overview

A 57-year-old doctor from Varanasi fell victim to extortion after a date arranged through a gay dating app turned into a nightmare. The incident occurred at a hotel where the doctor had invited a man named Vikas, whom he met online. The meeting, which initially seemed like a casual encounter, quickly escalated into a situation of blackmail and threats.

Details of the Encounter

According to the police complaint filed by the doctor, he connected with Vikas on the app and shared his phone number and hotel address. He also requested Vikas to bring beer bottles for their meeting. Vikas arrived at the hotel around 10 PM, carrying beer and snacks. However, the situation took a dark turn when Vikas began to criticize the doctor for his actions, suggesting they were inappropriate for his age and location in Shiv Nagri.

Blackmail and Threats

The complaint details how Vikas suddenly took nude photographs of the doctor and physically assaulted him by slapping him several times. He then broke a glass and used it to threaten the doctor, demanding money in exchange for not circulating the compromising photos. Vikas claimed to have political connections and ties with anti-social elements capable of harming the doctor.

Financial Extortion

Under duress, the doctor transferred Rs 8 lakh to Vikas using UPI and cash withdrawals from an ATM. The financial transaction was completed over the course of that night and into the next morning. The fear of exposure and potential harm forced the doctor to comply with Vikas’s demands.

Police Action

Assistant Commissioner of Police Ishant Soni confirmed that a case has been registered based on the doctor’s complaint. The case falls under Section 308 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita, which addresses extortion. The police are actively investigating the matter and are in pursuit of the accused.

Community Impact

This incident highlights the vulnerabilities faced by individuals using dating apps, especially within marginalized communities. It underscores the importance of safety measures and awareness when engaging in online interactions.