Nurpur police in Himachal Pradesh have apprehended a man from Ludhiana, Punjab, for allegedly creating fake Instagram accounts to harass a local woman. The accused is reported to have posted objectionable content and threatened the victim and her family.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the arrest followed a complaint lodged on August 26 at the Damtal police station. The case was registered under Sections 351(2) and 352 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and Section 6 of the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986, concerning online harassment and the inappropriate representation of women.
According to the police, the complainant detailed how the accused, identified as Sham Lal, son of Joginder Pal and a resident of Sherpur Chowk in Ludhiana, established multiple fake Instagram profiles impersonating her. These profiles were allegedly used to upload her photographs, along with those of her family members, accompanied by obscene and objectionable remarks. The perpetrator also purportedly shared her mobile number on social media platforms, leading to her receiving unsolicited calls from unknown individuals.
The harassment escalated further as the accused allegedly issued death threats to the woman and her family members through WhatsApp calls. Responding to the complaint, the Damtal police initiated a thorough investigation. This inquiry involved the technical expertise of the cyber cell to gather digital evidence.
Leveraging technical data and other intelligence, the police successfully traced and apprehended the suspect in Punjab. Following the arrest, the fake Instagram accounts used for the harassment were either blocked or deleted by the authorities. The investigation is ongoing to thoroughly examine all the objectionable content and other digital evidence associated with the case.
The Nurpur police have issued a public advisory emphasizing the responsible use of social media. They urged citizens to refrain from misusing these platforms for impersonation, harassment, or intimidation. The police also advised potential victims to report such incidents to the authorities promptly, stressing the importance of preserving all available digital evidence, including screenshots and profile links, which can aid in investigations.
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which came into effect on July 1, 2024, aims to replace the Indian Penal Code of 1860. It introduces updated legal provisions to address contemporary crimes, including those committed in the digital space. The Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986, specifically criminalizes the publication or circulation of any pictorial representation that allegedly exploits women through indecent representation.
This incident underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in combating cybercrimes, particularly those involving social media manipulation and online harassment. The police’s swift action in this case highlights their commitment to addressing such offenses and ensuring the safety of individuals in the digital realm.
The Chenab Times News Desk
