Etawah (U.P.) — Nov 13, 2025: In a disturbing revelation highlighting rising digital crimes against LGBTQ+ individuals, Etawah police have uncovered an extortion gang that specifically targeted gay men through dating applications. The case came to light after a man from Auraiya was abducted and robbed in a pre-planned honey-trap operation.
The Incident: How the Trap Was Set
According to police reports, on November 9, the victim connected with a profile on a gay dating app. Believing it to be a consensual meet-up, he traveled to Jaswantnagar, unaware that he was being lured by a criminal gang.
When he arrived at the meeting point, the suspects forcibly pushed him into a car. One of them held what appeared to be a pistol — later found to be fake, but used effectively to intimidate him.
Under threat, the man was forced to open his banking app and transfer ₹45,000 directly into the gang’s account.
After taking the money, the criminals drove him several kilometres away and dumped him on a highway service road, before fleeing the scene.
Police Crackdown: Three Arrested, One Absconding
Acting swiftly on the complaint, Etawah police launched an investigation and arrested three accused:
- Alok Parihar (alias Rahul)
- Vipul Dwivedi
- Krishnesh Mishra
A fourth accomplice is currently on the run and efforts are underway to trace him.
Authorities have already frozen the ₹45,000 transferred from the victim’s account. Investigators also recovered chat logs, fake app profiles, and evidence of prior conversations, indicating that the gang may have blackmailed multiple men using similar honey-trap tactics.
A Larger Pattern of Targeting LGBTQ+ Men
Police sources noted a significant pattern:
- Fake profiles were used to gain victims’ trust.
- Victims were selectively targeted because they were presumed to be reluctant to file police complaints, due to stigma around homosexuality.
- The gang used a combination of fear, isolation, and public shaming threats to extort money.
This case mirrors several similar incidents across India, exposing how cybercriminals exploit societal prejudices to commit targeted crimes.
Police Appeal: More Victims Urged to Come Forward
Etawah police emphasized that the identity and privacy of complainants will be fully protected. They urged anyone who has faced similar threats, blackmail attempts, or honey-trap setups to reach out immediately.
Authorities also advised dating-app users — especially those within the LGBTQ+ community — to:
- Avoid meeting strangers in isolated places
- Verify identities before agreeing to meet
- Inform a trusted friend or family member before traveling
- Report suspicious profiles or extortion attempts promptly
Why This Case Matters
The Etawah incident shines a spotlight on a broader issue: the vulnerability of LGBTQ+ individuals on digital platforms, where anonymity can be easily misused.
By taking swift action and making arrests, Etawah police have:
- Prevented further targeted crimes
- Sent a strong message to criminal groups
- Encouraged more victims to step forward without fear
The case remains under active investigation as police continue to trace the absconding suspect and identify potential victims.
