Hyderabad: A blackmail racket targeting gay men in Hyderabad has come to light after a 65-year-old man was lured through a dating app and then extorted with secretly filmed compromising footage.
The man, who had connected with a younger individual online, was invited to a hotel room in Ameerpet where he was ambushed, filmed, and later threatened unless he paid money to prevent the video from being sent to his family.
The case, reported to the Panjagutta police, has led to the arrest of three men allegedly behind the racket. Further investigation revealed that similar incidents had occurred in Kukatpally, Gachibowli and Banjara Hills, indicating a larger pattern of targeted exploitation.
Fake Profiles, Secret Cameras, and Extortion
According to police, the gang comprised three men, two from Mahabubnagar and one from Nallakunta. They created fake profiles on a gay dating app, posing as potential partners to lure unsuspecting individuals into meeting them at hotels or farmhouses.
Typically, one member of the gang would meet the victim while the other two waited nearby. Once the victim was in a state of undress or otherwise compromised, the others would suddenly enter the room and record videos using mobile phones.
In one instance, a doctor was invited to a farmhouse and given alcohol. After he became intoxicated, the gang secretly photographed him in a compromising situation. Days later, they demanded ₹2 lakh, threatening to circulate the images.
To further pressure victims, the gang reportedly used fake payment screenshots to falsely claim that money transfers had not gone through, leading to more demands.
Fear of Stigma Kept Victims Silent
Police said many of the victims, despite being educated and employed, are hesitant to come forward due to fear of social stigma and exposure.
"Most of the victims are educated and employed, but they’re afraid of the social consequences. We believe there are many more who haven’t reported the crime," a senior officer said.
The police have advised other victims to approach them, assuring complete confidentiality and firm action against those involved.
