Fake Media Identity Used to Extort Women: Ahmedabad Crime Branch Probes ₹5 Lakh Blackmail Racket

Ahmedabad: The Ahmedabad Crime Branch’s Women Cell has initiated an investigation into an alleged extortion racket in which a group of men posing as media personnel reportedly entered hotel rooms, secretly recorded private videos of women and subsequently demanded money by threatening to circulate the footage online.

According to the police, the accused, identified as Shubham Shah, Sanket Prajapati and their associates, allegedly used fake media credentials to gain credibility and intimidate their targets. They reportedly operated under the banner of a purported news organisation, STAR NEWS 7, using the media identity as a cover for their alleged criminal activities.

The accused allegedly demanded ₹5 lakh from their victims, threatening to make the privately recorded footage public if the money was not paid. The alleged illegal entry into hotel rooms and secret recording of women form key aspects of the investigation.

The police statement also refers to the accused’s previous criminal records. Cases involving allegations of extortion were reportedly registered against Shubham Shah and Sanket Prajapati at Gujarat University Police Station in 2023, while a molestation case was registered at Satellite Police Station. The press note also mentions a previous case linked to Mahuva in Bhavnagar district.

In addition, earlier complaints concerning alleged illegal activities carried out under the name of STAR NEWS 7 are also being examined.

The investigation is expected to establish the extent of the alleged racket, identify other individuals involved and determine whether more women were targeted using the same modus operandi.