itanagar, 30 June
In a significant breakthrough for law enforcement in Arunachal Pradesh, Capital Police have arrested a 35-year-old man accused of identity fraud, blackmail, and sexual exploitation of a woman from Itanagar. The accused, identified as Md. Salam Khureshi, was apprehended in Assam’s Charaideo District on Monday after an intensive investigation and technical surveillance spanning several months.
According to police reports, the case began when a 33-year-old woman from Ziro Point in Itanagar lodged a complaint at the Women Police Station on June 4. The woman alleged that Khureshi had misrepresented himself online in 2018, posing as an unmarried Marwari man from Delhi in order to initiate a romantic relationship. In reality, Khureshi was a married Muslim man with a child, a fact he concealed from the victim for years.
Authorities stated that the deception continued for nearly seven years, during which Khureshi gained the trust of the victim and secretly recorded intimate photographs and videos. When the woman learned of his true identity and tried to end the relationship, Khureshi allegedly threatened to release the private material unless she continued to comply with his demands.
“He is also accused of subjecting her to sustained mental harassment, coercion, and blackmail,”
said Sub-Inspector Bamang Yakum, who led the investigation under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. Police allege that Khureshi exploited the woman’s fear of social stigma and used the threat of exposure as leverage to maintain control over her life.
After receiving the complaint, a special team from the Women Police Station conducted technical surveillance to track the suspect’s movements across state borders. The investigation culminated in Khureshi’s arrest in the Sonari area of Charaideo District in Assam. He is now in police custody and facing charges under multiple sections related to identity fraud, cybercrime, blackmail, and sexual exploitation.
Capital Police released a statement following the arrest, emphasising their commitment to combating cyber crimes and protecting women from online exploitation. “We want to assure the public, especially women, that we are taking every step necessary to ensure swift and decisive action against perpetrators of such crimes,” the statement read.
Police also urged citizens to remain vigilant when forming online relationships, stressing that criminals often use digital platforms to build trust with victims before engaging in coercive and illegal activities. Officials encouraged anyone facing similar threats to come forward and report to the authorities without fear of social stigma.
“Many cases of cyber exploitation go unreported because victims fear judgment or backlash. We want to create a safer environment where victims feel empowered to seek help,”
said another senior police officer familiar with the investigation.
The arrest comes at a time when incidents of cyber harassment, sextortion, and blackmail are on the rise across India, prompting calls for stronger laws and better awareness campaigns on digital safety. Experts say that identity fraud, particularly via social media and dating platforms, has become one of the most common methods for criminals to exploit unsuspecting victims.
Authorities have announced plans to further strengthen the Cyber Crime Cell in Arunachal Pradesh and conduct awareness drives in schools, colleges, and communities to educate citizens about the risks of sharing personal information online.
Meanwhile, the police investigation into Khureshi’s activities is ongoing, and officials have not ruled out the possibility of more victims coming forward as the case unfolds. Police sources said they will thoroughly examine the accused’s devices and digital records to identify any other potential instances of blackmail or exploitation.
Law enforcement agencies reiterated their call for community support, urging people to report suspicious or predatory behavior immediately. The case has underscored the need for continuous vigilance and public awareness in an increasingly digital world where cyber criminals often operate beyond traditional borders.
