Former colleague creates fake Instagram account of Ahmedabad woman, posts morphed images of her

A 22-year-old woman from Ahmedabad has lodged a complaint alleging that a former colleague created a fake Instagram account in her name, uploaded morphed semi-nude images using her photographs, and repeatedly harassed her after she rejected his alleged attempts to pursue a relationship.

According to Ramol police, the complainant, a resident of Vastral, alleged that the accused, identified as Sanjay Vishwakarma, had been persistently contacting her through phone calls, WhatsApp messages, and social media platforms despite her refusal to maintain a personal relationship with him.

The woman had previously worked as a sales executive at a hearing clinic in Ahmedabad, where Vishwakarma was also employed. The two initially interacted in a professional capacity and later became acquaintances. She alleged that after November 2025, Vishwakarma began contacting her frequently and expressing interest in a relationship.

She repeatedly declined his advances and eventually blocked him on WhatsApp and Instagram. However, she alleged that he continued to contact her from multiple phone numbers, including company and relatives’ numbers.

The accused allegedly created a fake Instagram profile and used it to communicate with the complainant’s mother. Through these conversations, he allegedly obtained the family’s residential address. After discovering the account, the complainant and her mother blocked it.

The woman further alleged that on May 24, a friend informed her that a new Instagram account resembling her original profile had appeared online. Upon checking screenshots sent by friends, she allegedly discovered that an account using a name similar to her genuine Instagram handle had been created.

Police said the complainant alleged that the fake profile carried edited photographs featuring her face superimposed onto semi-nude images. The account allegedly followed her relatives and acquaintances and uploaded the morphed images through Instagram stories.

The posts allegedly tagged both the complainant’s fiancé and the accused’s Instagram accounts. The complainant alleged that the fake profile also displayed mobile numbers belonging to her fiancé and the accused, creating the impression that the account was genuine.

She told police that the posts were intended to damage her reputation and create embarrassment among family members, relatives and friends. The complainant alleged that Vishwakarma resorted to the act out of resentment after she refused to enter into a relationship with him.

Ramol police have registered a case against Vishwakarma under relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act and other applicable sections relating to cyber harassment, identity misuse and defamation.

Police said screenshots of the alleged fake account and social media posts have been submitted as evidence. Further investigation is underway.