Nagpur: The city cyber cell on Saturday extended assistance and security to a 35-year-old businessman from Mumbai who had called up a local officer seeking help after getting entangled in a blackmailing trap after some obscene video chats with a stranger which is being now labelled as ‘sextortion’ by experts.From full lockdown to partial Covid restrictions, the cyber cell is inundated with requests from victims of blackmailers threatening to make their explicit images and video viral on social media and also send them to their contacts.In the past, a 54-year-old fashion designer had been one of the victims of such blackmailing or ‘sextortion’ following which he had to cough up a substantial sum.
As the demands from the blackmailer was growing, he had to seek assistance from the cyber cops who ensured he was saved from repeated extortions.In another case, a second year law student too was helped by the cyber cell when he was being threatened by blackmailers.Cyber lawyer and activist Mahendra Limaye too said blackmailing via video chats has increased during the lockdown.
“Victims first get a friend request from an ID of a woman and after acceptance, there is an invitation for a video chat in which explicit images and actions are recorded to use them as a tool for blackmailing or extortion,” he said.
“Initially, the amount is Rs 2,000-Rs 5,000 which increases gradually,” said Limaye.
“Such fraudsters can be booked under section 66E of the Information technology Act and also extortion and other provisions of the Indian penal code (IPC),” he said, adding, one must have control over emotions and not indulge in explicit acts on digital platforms.Cyber expert and senior inspector Ashok Bagul said many victims are being lured by the blackmailers through dating apps and then the extortion begins.
“People avoid approaching investigating agencies due to social stigma.
Reporting such matters to the cyber cell is important too,” he said.
Dr Rajesh Rathi, a psychiatrist, said online platforms have also increased sex-related activities which is one of the reasons for such cases coming to the fore in more numbers now.
“Excessive use of online platforms are treated by us as ‘internet use disorders’ which is also related to the over dependency on pornographic material.
To address these addictions, both psychological and pharmacological interventions are required,” he said.
“Another reason for this pornographic dependency is seeking pleasure out of married life or less satisfying conjugal bonds,” he said.Sexologist Dr Sanjay Deshpande said single or unmarried people are more vulnerable.
Even married men seeking extramarital satisfaction too can get trapped.