Patna: Three minors have been arrested in Patna in connection with the alleged gangrape and blackmail of a teenage girl, a case that reportedly stemmed from a friendship initiated on Instagram. Police also apprehended a goldsmith in connection with jewellery allegedly extorted from the victim.
The incident, which came to light after the girl’s family filed a complaint on July 22, highlights the concerning risks associated with online interactions escalating into real-world exploitation.
According to police statements and the victim’s account, the girl befriended a boy on Instagram. Their online communication reportedly developed into a romantic relationship, leading to a meeting at a hotel in the Rupaspur police station area. The victim alleges that during this encounter, the boy filmed them without her consent.
Following this, the video was allegedly used to blackmail the girl. She claims the boy pressured her to engage in sexual acts with his friends, threatening to circulate the video if she refused. Under duress, the girl reportedly complied with the demands of two other individuals.
The accused then allegedly escalated their demands, extorting cash and jewellery from the victim. The stolen jewellery was later discovered by her mother, prompting the girl to reveal the full extent of the ordeal.
Patna City SP Western Bhanu Pratap Singh confirmed the arrests, stating, “On July 22, the victim registered a case alleging gangrape and video blackmail. Police formed a team and arrested the accused within 24 hours.” He further elaborated that the victim was befriended on Instagram, a video was made in a hotel, and other accused also gang-raped the girl by threatening to make the video viral. The accused began demanding money, and the girl reportedly brought her mother’s jewellery and money from home, handing it over to them. All three primary accused are reportedly minors.
The case has been registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, underscoring the seriousness of the allegations and the age of the victim. Investigations are ongoing, and the authorities have emphasized their commitment to a thorough inquiry.
