Cybercrime – Three Arrested for Social Media Extortion Targeting Restaurant Owner
Cybercrime – A carefully planned extortion operation run through social media has been uncovered by Uttarakhand Police, leading to the arrest of three young men from Haryana. The accused allegedly attempted to blackmail a restaurant owner in Srinagar Garhwal by threatening to damage his business reputation using a fabricated video showing unhygienic food conditions.
Complaint Triggers Police Action
The case came to light after the restaurant owner, S.K. Jain, approached the local police station with a formal complaint. He reported that a group of individuals had been pressuring him with claims that they had discovered a cockroach in the food served at his establishment during a visit in November 2025. According to the complaint, the suspects used this claim as a basis to launch a targeted intimidation campaign.
Fake Evidence Used for Pressure
Investigators revealed that the accused had allegedly staged the entire incident during their visit. They later used manipulated video content to threaten the restaurant owner. The group warned that they would escalate the matter by filing a complaint with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. Alongside this, they demanded a payment of Rs 2.5 lakh, claiming that failure to comply would result in a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh and the video being widely circulated on social media.
To further intensify the pressure, the accused reportedly sent a forged legal notice through WhatsApp, creating an impression of immediate legal consequences. This tactic was intended to alarm the victim and push him toward making the payment quickly.
Investigation Tracks Digital Footprints
Following the complaint, a special investigation team was formed under the supervision of senior police officials. Led by Inspector Kuldeep Negi, the team conducted a detailed examination of digital evidence, including bank transaction records, mobile tracking data, and location details.
Through sustained efforts, the police traced the suspects’ movements and financial activities to Jhajjar in Haryana. Officials involved in the investigation stated that the operation appeared to be well-planned, with the accused deliberately creating a situation that could later be exploited for financial gain.
Partial Payment Made Under Pressure
During the period of harassment, the victim’s family reportedly transferred Rs 50,000 via UPI to an account linked to the accused. This initial payment was made under continuous pressure and fear of reputational damage to the business.
Police officials noted that such tactics are becoming increasingly common, where digital platforms are used to threaten individuals and businesses with false claims and manipulated content.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Acting on the collected evidence, the police conducted an operation in Haryana and arrested the three main accused. They were identified as Akshat Anand alias Sahil (22), originally from Begusarai in Bihar and currently residing in Delhi; Sohel Akhtar (23), from Hazaribagh in Jharkhand and living in Delhi; and Ritesh Mishra (22), from Seraikela in Jharkhand, residing in Jhajjar, Haryana.
After their arrest, the accused were brought before the Chief Judicial Magistrate court in Srinagar. The court subsequently ordered their judicial custody and they have been sent to Pauri Jail.
Growing Concern Over Digital Extortion
Authorities have highlighted the case as an example of how technology can be misused for criminal purposes. Police have urged business owners and individuals to remain cautious and report any such threats immediately, rather than giving in to pressure.
Officials also emphasized the importance of verifying claims and legal notices received through digital platforms, as fraudsters increasingly use such methods to create panic and extract money.