Pune: A 21-year-old man died by suicide after being blackmailed over explicit photos taken without his consent following a meeting through a dating app. The incident, which took place on February 24, has led to the registration of a case against six individuals, with two arrests made so far.
The deceased has been identified as Sujal Sunil Mankar. Investigations have revealed that Sujal had come into contact with a group of six people through a dating app. He was lured to a meeting in Pimpri, where the accused secretly recorded explicit videos and took photos of him. They then used the material to blackmail him, threatening to leak it online if he failed to pay.
Extortion Despite Payment
According to police reports, Sujal was called to Mahesh Nagar, Pimpri, by the accused, who initially demanded ₹50,000 in exchange for not leaking his images. In distress, Sujal managed to pay ₹35,500, but the harassment continued, with further monetary demands being made. Unable to cope with the relentless blackmail and pressure, he ultimately took his own life by jumping from the Sant Tukaram Nagar metro station.
Investigation Uncovers Blackmail Scheme
Initially, police registered the case as an accidental death. However, suspicions surrounding the circumstances prompted a deeper probe. The investigation later revealed that Sujal had been targeted through a dating app, extorted for money, and continuously harassed.
Authorities have identified Pranav Shinde as the prime suspect leading the group responsible for the blackmail scheme.