A gang posing as journalists has been exposed in Belagavi for allegedly blackmailing a woman officer after secretly installing a hidden camera in her residence. Police recovered more than 100 nude and private videos from the mobile phones of the arrested accused. Investigations have revealed that the group had similarly targeted other officials and extorted lakhs of rupees from them.
The shocking details emerged after police examined the phones of the arrested individuals, uncovering numerous objectionable videos. Earlier, it was reported that a concealed camera had been fitted inside the house of a woman officer to record private moments, and the accused allegedly demanded Rs 50 lakh, threatening to make the footage public if the money was not paid.
Police have taken Sameer Sheikh, Abdul Rashid Makandar and Mohammed Balekundri into three-day custody for further questioning in connection with the case.
Another officer’s private footage found
During the digital forensic examination, Malamaruti police reportedly discovered a private video of another district-level officer. Preliminary findings suggest that a hidden camera had also been installed at that officer’s residence, and the footage was used for blackmail. It is alleged that substantial sums were collected by threatening to circulate the videos online.
Following the recovery of multiple videos from the suspects’ devices, the accused were taken back into custody and interrogation has been intensified. Authorities are now probing whether more officials or prominent individuals were targeted by the gang.
The incident has triggered widespread concern in Belagavi, raising serious questions about the safety and privacy of government officers. A case has been registered under various sections, including provisions of the IT Act, and efforts are underway to uncover the full extent of the network.
How the accused were apprehended
The accused had allegedly concealed a camera inside light bulb holders at the woman officer’s home to record private footage. They then demanded Rs 50 lakh in cash and threatened to upload the video on social media. The officer lodged a complaint with the Police Commissioner, following which a case was registered at Malamaruti Police Station. Acting on the complaint, police conducted an operation and arrested three individuals on February 6.
