Lucknow: A salon owner in Lucknow has been arrested for allegedly operating a fake Instagram account under a Hindu identity to befriend young women, exploit them sexually, and later blackmail them with explicit photos and videos, police said.
The accused, identified as Shoaib Akhtar from Gonda, is alleged to have posed as “Saurabh Singh” on Instagram to hide his real identity and gain the trust of Hindu women online. Police say he would draw the victims into relationships, sexually abuse them, secretly record objectionable content, and then threaten to circulate the material to coerce them into religious conversion.
The case came to light after a minor girl approached a police station in Lucknow and filed a complaint describing her ordeal. In her statement, she alleged that Shoaib befriended her on Instagram while concealing his real identity and religion. She accused him of harassment, recording obscene videos, threatening to circulate them online, and pressuring her to convert.
During the investigation, police said they recovered several objectionable photos and videos from the accused’s mobile phone, including material allegedly involving minors. Officials suspect there could be more victims and are examining whether others were involved in the alleged conspiracy. According to police, Shoaib runs a salon in Lucknow and was living in rented accommodation.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) BKT Gyanendra Singh stated that the accused is currently in custody, and his mobile phone and social media accounts are being thoroughly examined. A case has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Uttar Pradesh anti-conversion law, the IT Act, and the POCSO Act. Police added that further legal action is underway as investigators continue to gather evidence and identify other possible victims linked to the case.
