Ahmedabad woman files cyber complaint after obscene WhatsApp messages, photo misuse

A 31-year-old woman from Satellite, Ahmedabad, has lodged a complaint with the city police after receiving obscene WhatsApp messages allegedly aimed at defaming her. The complainant, identified as Reema (name changed), alleged that an unknown person used a foreign mobile number to circulate her photograph along with messages soliciting sexual favours.

According to the FIR filed at Satellite police station, the incident occurred on Sunday afternoon, when messages were sent from a number beginning with the Philippines country code (+639). The accused allegedly forwarded her photo along with a message demanding Rs 1,000 for ‘one-night stand’, tagging her personal mobile numbers and those of her family.

Reema, who runs a wellness centre and Spa at Thaltej-Hebatpur Road, told police she was at home around 1.15 pm when the messages first appeared on her WhatsApp. Disturbed by the circulation of her photo with lewd content, she immediately informed her husband and contacted the national cyber helpline number 1930. She was then advised to approach the nearest police station, where she formally registered her complaint.

Police officials said the messages were intended to tarnish the woman’s reputation by linking her photograph with obscene content. “The case has been registered under relevant sections of the BNS and Information Technology Act." a Satellite police officer said.

The complainant has named her husband as a witness in the case. Investigators are now tracing the origin of the messages, which appear to have been sent via an overseas number.