The VB Nagar police in Kurla have arrested a 19-year-old youth for allegedly blackmailing and extorting a minor girl. According to the police, both the accused and the victim live in the same locality and had known each other for a while.
In May this year, the youth allegedly recorded an objectionable video of the minor and later began threatening to make it public. He demanded `75,000 from her, saying he needed the money to pay instalments for a scooter and a mobile phone.
Under pressure and afraid of being humiliated, the 16-year-old girl allegedly stole her mother’s gold chain, ring, and earrings worth`75,000 which she sold to a local jeweller and gave the cash to the accused.
The incident came to light when the girl’s mother noticed the missing jewellery while cleaning the cupboard. “When she questioned her daughter, the girl broke down and revealed everything,” said a police officer. The mother then approached the VB Nagar police station and lodged a complaint.
Following the complaint, a case was registered, and the accused was arrested on Saturday (October 25). “We have seized his mobile phone and other digital devices to check if he has circulated the video or stored it elsewhere,” said a senior officer.
Police said the accused runs a small business in Kurla. The girl told the police that she sold the ornaments to a jeweller in Kurla but has not disclosed the buyer’s name. “We are verifying whether she sold the jewellery directly or through someone else,” said another officer.
Police said they have booked the accused under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and POCSO Act. The minor is now undergoing counselling. “She was under immense fear but has shown strength by speaking up. We will ensure she receives psychological support,” an officer said.
