Maharashtra: Kalyan Man Dies by Suicide After Alleged Sextortion by Cybercriminals; Police Register Case

A shocking case of online “sextortion,” where victims are blackmailed using obscene images after forming online connections, has come to light in Kalyan. A 45-year-old man allegedly died by suicide after being repeatedly threatened and extorted for money by cybercriminals.

The Kolsewadi Police have registered a case against unidentified cyber offenders for abetment of suicide and under relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act.

According to police sources, the deceased, identified as Hemant (45), died by suicide on January 7 by hanging himself at his old residence in Kalyan East. Initially, the incident was recorded as an accidental death (ADR) at Kolsewadi Police Station. However, further inquiry by the family later revealed the circumstances that allegedly led to his suicide.

Before taking the extreme step, Hemant had reportedly called a friend seeking urgent financial help of ₹2 lakh. He allegedly told his friend that he had ₹40,000 but needed the remaining ₹1.6 lakh urgently, otherwise he would face a “major problem.”

Following the incident, relatives checked his mobile phone and email, where they discovered threatening messages sent via WhatsApp from an international number. The cybercriminals had allegedly created obscene images of the victim and threatened to circulate them on social media if he failed to pay money.

Police investigations revealed that the harassment had been ongoing since April 2025. Out of fear of defamation, the victim had transferred money multiple times through online transactions, ranging from ₹15,000 to larger amounts. However, despite repeated payments, the demands continued.

Unable to cope with the constant threats and fearing the images would be made public, the victim allegedly took the extreme step, preliminary investigations suggest.

Kolsewadi Police have registered a case against unidentified persons under Sections 108, 308(2), and 351 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 66(E) and 67(A) of the Information Technology Act, and further investigation is underway.