The Crime & Economic Offences Wing of the Andaman & Nicobar Police has arrested four persons in connection with an alleged organised honey trap and UPI-based extortion racket operating in Sri Vijaya Puram, following a complaint that detailed digital luring, wrongful confinement and monetary coercion.
According to the complaint registered with the CID unit, the victim reported having come into contact with a woman through a dating application, following which communication shifted to WhatsApp. On February 7, 2026, the complainant was allegedly persuaded to visit a house near the Dhanikhari junction under the pretext of a casual meeting. What followed, investigators say, was a carefully orchestrated sequence aimed at extortion through intimidation and digital transactions.
The complainant alleged that he was offered a soft drink during the meeting, after consuming which he lost consciousness. Upon regaining awareness, he reportedly found himself partially undressed inside the premises, with two women and one man present in the room. The group allegedly recorded photographs and videos during this period, which were later used as tools of intimidation. The complainant further alleged that he was threatened with false criminal accusations and warned of a public scene unless he complied with monetary demands.
Police records indicate that the victim was wrongfully confined and coerced into transferring ₹50,000 through UPI transactions. The alleged extortion was carried out digitally, highlighting the growing use of instant payment platforms in organised cyber-enabled crimes. After managing to report the incident, the matter was taken up by the Crime & Economic Offences Wing for preliminary enquiry and legal action.
Based on the complaint and initial verification, four accused were identified and taken into custody. The arrested individuals have been booked under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. Investigators have indicated that the case involves coordinated roles, with digital communication, location planning and financial extraction forming key elements of the alleged offence.
The CID unit has initiated a detailed investigation, including examination of digital devices, verification of financial transaction trails and analysis of electronic evidence. Officials are also examining whether similar methods were used to target other individuals, suggesting the possibility of a wider network operating through social media platforms and dating applications.
Law enforcement authorities have reiterated the need for heightened public caution while interacting with unknown persons online. Police advisories underline that social media and dating platforms are increasingly being exploited for honey trap, blackmail and extortion activities, often involving the misuse of private images, fabricated allegations and rapid digital payments that leave victims little time to seek help.
The Andaman & Nicobar Police has urged citizens who may have faced similar incidents or who possess information related to such organised honey trap networks to approach the Crime & Economic Offences Wing without delay. Officials have assured that the identity of informers will be kept confidential, and that timely reporting can help prevent further victimisation.
Members of the public have also been encouraged to report suspicious online interactions, cyber threats or financial coercion to the nearest police station or through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Police authorities have emphasised that public cooperation remains critical in identifying patterns, disrupting organised cyber-enabled crime and ensuring swift legal action against those exploiting digital platforms for criminal gain.
