In a swift operation, the Karnal Crime Investigation Agency (CIA) has dismantled a criminal network that specialized in extorting wealthy businessmen through digital blackmail.
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The Trap: The victim, a prominent rice miller from the Karnal grain market, was contacted by the woman under the pretext of a business inquiry/insurance lead. After multiple meetings to build trust, she invited him to a house where the male accomplices were already hiding with hidden cameras.
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The Extortion: Once the “objectionable” videos were recorded, the gang shifted their tone. They initially demanded ₹1 crore, threatening to file a false rape case and leak the videos to his family and on social media. After negotiation, the deal was struck at ₹50 lakh.
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The Arrest: Unable to bear the pressure, the miller approached the Superintendent of Police (SP). A special team led by the CIA-2 In-charge laid a trap. The suspects were caught red-handed while accepting a package of marked currency notes.
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Police Findings:
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Suspects: The woman is a resident of Karnal, while her two male associates hail from nearby districts (Jhajjar/Rohtak).
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Modus Operandi: The gang frequently changed rented houses to avoid detection and used “burner” SIM cards to make extortion calls.
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Previous Crimes: Police suspect the gang has targeted at least two other local commission agents (arhtiyas) who likely did not report the matter due to social stigma.
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Legal Proceedings: An FIR has been registered under sections related to Extortion (Section 308(2) BNS / 384 IPC), Criminal Intimidation, and Conspiracy. The accused were produced in court and sent to police remand for further interrogation.
Advisory to Businessmen: Karnal Police have issued a stern advisory to the local business community, urging them to be cautious of unknown individuals seeking “private meetings” for business deals. “If anyone is being blackmailed, they should come forward without fear. Your identity will be kept strictly confidential,” stated the SP.
