Berhampur: Police have arrested a youth in connection with a case of digital arrest and sextortion, in which a woman was threatened and extorted of money by impersonating a Crime Branch officer.
The accused has been identified as Chandan Kumar Jena, a resident of Rautra village in Balasore district.
According to reports, the accused contacted the victim through a WhatsApp call on December 31, 2025, introducing himself as an officer from the Crime Branch. He falsely claimed that the victim’s nude photographs were being circulated on various pornographic websites and social media platforms, and alleged that a criminal case had already been registered against her.
To intimidate the victim, the accused threatened her with immediate arrest and warned that her “nude photos would be made viral” if she failed to comply. He further coerced her into participating in a nude video call and demanded a “settlement fee” to close the alleged case.
Out of fear, the victim transferred ₹70,000 to the accused’s bank account. The fraudster later attempted to extort an additional ₹2 lakh by continuing the blackmail.
Realising that she had been cheated, the victim lodged a complaint at the cyber police station on the 7th of the current month. Acting on the complaint, police traced the accused and arrested him.
Police have seized digital evidence and are investigating whether the accused is involved in similar cases targeting other victims.
Further investigation is underway.
