A man in Howrah has been sending me threatening and obscene messages on Instagram for three months. What can I do?
JA Asked by Jaya Lakshmi from India
Quick Answer
Lodge an FIR at the cyber crime police station in Howrah under Section 75 of the IT Act, 2000 (cyberstalking) and Section 351/352 BNS, 2023 for criminal intimidation and outraging modesty.
Detailed Legal Analysis
Lodge an FIR at the cyber crime police station in Howrah under Section 75 of the IT Act, 2000 (cyberstalking) and Section 351/352 BNS, 2023 for criminal intimidation and outraging modesty. Section 354D IPC-equivalent under BNS also covers stalking of a woman, punishable up to seven years.
Preserve all chat records and metadata as electronic evidence under Section 63B BSA, 2023. Block and report the user on Instagram and file a complaint with the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
If the stalker is known and persistent, seek a protection order and approach the Magistrate. For police inaction, approach Calcutta High Court under Article 226 for a writ of mandamus.
State-specific victim support under West Bengal Premises Tenancy Act 1997 may provide free legal aid or counselling services.
Disclaimer: AI-generated for educational purposes only. Does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified practitioner.