Ahmedabad cyber cell arrests member of sextortion gang under ‘Mission Cyber Rakshika #SecureHerSpace’

The Cyber Cell of Ahmedabad Crime Branch has arrested member of an inter-state cyber fraud and sextortion racket that allegedly targeted victims through fake social media profiles impersonating astrologers, relationship counsellors and kinnar (eunuch) gurumas.

The action was carried out under 'Mission Cyber Rakshika #SecureHerSpace', a special initiative launched by the Ahmedabad City Police to protect women and citizens from cyber exploitation, online blackmail and digital harassment.

Police said a case was registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act, including Sections 66(D) and 67 of the IT Act.

Victims targeted through fake astrology and relationship accounts

Investigators said the accused created fake Instagram accounts under names such as “astrologer_pooja_kinnar_maa”, posing as astrologers and spiritual healers offering solutions for love affairs, marriage disputes and personal problems.

Police stated that after gaining the confidence of victims, the accused allegedly persuaded them to share personal photographs in the name of performing rituals, astrology consultations and “vashikaran” remedies.

The photographs were then allegedly edited and used to blackmail victims with threats of making the content viral on social media platforms.

According to officials, the accused also allegedly forced victims to undress during WhatsApp video calls, secretly recorded the sessions and later threatened to circulate the explicit videos online unless money was paid.

The gang had extorted a total of ₹ 1.43 lakh from victims through multiple online transactions.

During the investigation, the Cyber Crime Branch used technical analysis and human intelligence to trace members of the gang operating from Rajasthan.

Police said Rajnish Govindlal Bhargav had earlier been arrested from Bikaner, Rajasthan, in connection with the case.

Subsequently, another accused, Vikas Pokhraj Bhargav, was apprehended from Jaipur and brought to Ahmedabad. The accused was produced before a court, which granted four days’ police remand for further investigation.

Police identified Vikas Bhargav as a resident of Bikaner district, Rajasthan.

Officials also stated that another accused, Ravi Satyanarayan Bhargav, remains absconding and efforts are underway to trace him.

The accused operated multiple fake social media profiles on Instagram and Facebook using identities associated with astrologers and spiritual figures.

Investigators further revealed that the gang allegedly used Instagram advertisement boosting tools to target users aged between 18 and 35 years, including both men and women. Advertisements were allegedly designed around topics such as love problems, astrology and relationship advice to attract vulnerable users.

During the investigation, police found financial transactions worth nearly ₹ 60 lakh across different bank accounts allegedly linked to the accused over the past two years.

Officials further stated that nearly 300 mobile numbers had been contacted by the accused within the last month alone, while preliminary findings suggest that more than 65 people may have fallen victim to the racket.

The Cyber Crime Branch has urged citizens not to trust social media advertisements claiming to resolve personal or relationship issues through astrology, rituals or vashikaran practices.

Police advised the public not to share personal photographs, videos or sensitive information with unknown individuals online and appealed to victims of cyber fraud to immediately contact the national cybercrime helpline 1930 or approach the nearest police station.