I am a victim of online sextortion from someone in Bareilly; what should I do?
AM Asked by Amit Kumar from India
Quick Answer
Online sextortion is prosecuted under Sections 75 and 351 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for sexual harassment and criminal intimidation, read with Section 67 of the IT Act for obscene transmission.
Detailed Legal Analysis
Online sextortion is prosecuted under Sections 75 and 351 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for sexual harassment and criminal intimidation, read with Section 67 of the IT Act for obscene transmission. File an FIR at the Bareilly women's police station immediately and do not pay any money, since payment only deepens the extortion.
The Allahabad High Court can direct the platform to remove the content and the police to trace the accused through the digital trail. Uttar Pradesh Rent Control Act 1972 on women's safety may provide additional protections such as a state helpline and a dedicated women's cell in Bareilly.
Preserve every message, the call logs and the recording of the video call without deleting the conversation. Inform a trusted family member in Bareilly to break the isolation that the extortionist exploits.
The victim is not the accused, and the law protects the complainant from disclosure of identity under Section 372(3) of the BNSS.
Legal Provisions Referenced
Verify the current statutory text at India Code (the official repository of Indian legislation) or the Legislative Department. This answer is general legal information, not advice on your specific matter.
Disclaimer: AI-generated for educational purposes only. Does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified practitioner.