Bengaluru, May 16: The Bengaluru Cyber Crime Police have arrested a woman for allegedly operating an elaborate online blackmail racket targeting couples who had eloped or men involved in secret marriages. The accused, identified as Muskaan Rani, is accused of creating multiple fake identities and using confidential marriage-related information to extort money from vulnerable individuals.
According to police officials, Muskaan allegedly posed online under several fake names, including Shabana Hussein, Kritika Reddy and Jhanvi Reddy. Investigators claim she used these identities to contact couples who had married against their families’ wishes and threaten them with exposing their personal details unless they paid large sums of money. In several cases, police said the threats and pressure reportedly caused serious family disputes and even led to divorces.
Officials stated that the accused had been working with a private marriage consultancy in Bengaluru that reportedly specialized in assisting couples seeking discreet marriage services. Through her position, Muskaan allegedly gained access to highly sensitive information belonging to clients. Police said the records included Aadhaar details, phone numbers, home addresses, marriage certificates, photographs and information about family backgrounds.
The case came to light earlier this month after a Bengaluru-based couple approached the cyber crime police alleging that they were being repeatedly harassed through emails, phone calls and online messages demanding ₹3 lakh. The couple reportedly had eloped and married without the approval of their families. They informed police that the accused threatened to reveal their marriage records and private information to relatives, community members and even employers if the money was not paid.
Following the complaint, cyber crime officials launched an extensive investigation. Police traced several mobile numbers, fake social media profiles, email accounts and digital payment transactions that were allegedly linked to the accused. Investigators also contacted other couples who had used similar marriage consultancy services and reportedly discovered multiple victims who had experienced similar threats and extortion attempts.
During a raid conducted at a rented apartment in Bengaluru’s HSR Layout area, police allegedly recovered several electronic devices and documents connected to the operation. Authorities seized laptops, mobile phones, SIM cards, notebooks containing handwritten client details and digital records believed to be linked to fake online identities used for the blackmail scheme.
Police officials suspect that the number of victims could be significantly higher, as many couples may still be hesitant to approach authorities due to fear of social stigma, family backlash or exposure of personal relationships. Investigators are currently examining the seized electronic devices and financial transactions to determine the full extent of the operation and identify whether any additional individuals were involved.
A criminal case has been registered against Muskaan Rani under multiple sections related to extortion, cheating, criminal intimidation, identity theft, impersonation and provisions of the Information Technology Act. Police said further charges could be added depending on the outcome of the investigation.
The accused was produced before a magistrate and has been remanded to judicial custody while the investigation continues. Authorities have urged anyone who may have received similar threats or extortion demands to come forward and assist with the ongoing probe.