Kidnapped by 'friends': How a gang used social media to trap victims and extort lakhs

In a shocking turn of events, four members of a gang accused of kidnapping and extortion through a social networking app have been arrested in Pratap Nagar in Jaipur, as reported by TOI. The police, however, are keeping the identities of the arrested under wraps until an official identification parade is completed.

The gang's latest victim was a young man from Pratap Nagar, who had unknowingly walked into their trap. According to a police official, the gang befriended him through a social networking app and invited him to a flat under the guise of a friendly meeting. But the meeting turned out to be a nightmare.

Once inside, the accused reportedly held the man captive and recorded an objectionable video, threatening to make it viral unless he paid Rs 1 lakh. When the victim expressed his inability to arrange the amount, the gang turned violent and demanded any money he could gather. After being released, the man courageously approached the police and filed a complaint.


Incidents like these raise concerns about the misuse of social networking apps for criminal activities. The police have urged citizens to be cautious while interacting with strangers online and to avoid sharing personal details that could make them vulnerable.

Authorities are now investigating further to uncover the full extent of the gang's activities. Meanwhile, locals have expressed fear and outrage, hoping for strict action against the culprits to prevent such incidents in the future.

Inputs from TOI