Ahmedabad caterer alleges ₹8.88 lakh sextortion by Punjab-based men

A 54-year-old Ahmedabad caterer has lodged a cyber extortion complaint alleging that three men, including two residents of Punjab, blackmailed him into paying ₹8.88 lakh over several months by threatening to circulate an obscene video allegedly recorded during a WhatsApp call.

According to Khokhra police, Rohit Dave (name changed), a resident of Jashodanagar who runs a home-based catering business, alleged that the extortion took place between September 2025 and April 10, 2026.

Police said the complainant came into contact with one of the accused, Nikhil Yogeshkumar Khurana, during a religious trip to Punjab in 2023, when the two allegedly met while travelling by train from Ahmedabad to Ferozepur and became acquainted.

Over time, Khurana allegedly remained in contact with the complainant and initially borrowed money on multiple occasions, citing financial difficulties and examination expenses, police said.

As per the complaint, matters escalated in September 2025 when Khurana allegedly sent inappropriate video content to the complainant and later engaged him in a WhatsApp video call during which an obscene recording was allegedly created.

Thereafter, the complainant alleged, Khurana and his brother Sahil Yogeshkumar Khurana, both residents of Ferozepur in Punjab, began threatening to circulate the video among his relatives and on social media unless he paid them money.

Police said the accused allegedly extorted repeated payments from the complainant through online transfers and cash demands, ultimately collecting ₹8.88 lakh.

The complainant further alleged that an unidentified third person, identified only as Rahul, along with another unknown caller posing as a police inspector, also threatened him and demanded an additional ₹ 15 lakh, claiming to be a public servant.

Fearing further extortion, the complainant approached the National Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) on April 10 and subsequently lodged a formal police complaint after the threats continued.

Police have registered a case against the accused on charges of criminal conspiracy, extortion, impersonation, intimidation and cyber-related offences.

Investigators said they are examining WhatsApp chats, transaction records and call details as part of the probe.