Mumbai crime: Man booked for posting photos of 200 women with ‘price tags’

The police had registered the case against Shubham Gadlinge and had arrested him last week

The Antop Hill police have booked a 22-year-old man after seven women complained of their pictures being circulated on social media platforms for the past five years as call girls. The women have claimed that their friend Shubham Gadlinge, 22, a resident of Wadala, is behind the act. Police suspect that over 200 women have been victims. The complainants told mid-day that Gadlinge had stolen their photos and videos from their respective social media accounts. He created fake accounts on Instagram and Telegram, on which he posted their photos, terming them as prostitutes.

Screenshots of posts put up by the affected women, who are his friends from college, school or relatives

The alleged accused Gadlinge also sent their pictures to his followers privately, assuring them of a sexual encounter in exchange for money, the women said. The complainants have demanded the strictest action against him. The complainants in the case are between 12-25 years of age and are his friends from college, school, society, family friends or relatives. The accused Gadlingle is a commerce graduate. His parents were planning to send him to Canada for further studies.

Girls' parents beat him up

A few years ago, the parents of complainants had beaten up Gadlinge after he was caught sending photos of women to random unknown people on social media. Speaking to mid-day a minor from Wadala said, "A few days ago my friends informed me that my photos were viral on Instagram as a call girl. I was shocked. I knew about my friend Gadlinge's deeds as he was earlier beaten up by many parents. When I confronted him, he denied it at first, but later he confessed the same. I immediately registered the FIR against him. Later, I found out about many of my friends who have been his victims. He should be punished for his acts."

Speaking with mid-day a victim's parent said, "A few years ago, we had beaten Gadlinge after he posted our daughter's photograph on social media as a call girl. His parents requested us not to file a police complaint. But he did not stop. His family claims he is suffering from depression. Police should take strict action against him."

Obscene comments on photographs

Another victim said, "Gadlinge created fake accounts and groups on Instagram and Telegram, and added hundreds of unknown people. Later, he asked his followers to choose any girl's profile. He took screenshots of all the posts and shared them with his followers. The victims were unaware as they were mutual friends with him."

A victim, requesting anonymity said, "Women and girls who are following him, must immediately unfollow. The comments on our photos posted by Gadlinge are obscene and highly objectionable. He should be behind bars." A parent of a complainant said, "The comments on our daughter's photos are vulgar. Many people have asked about their rates. This is very hurtful for us. All followers, who have commented should also be booked."

Accused suffering from depression: Family

The police had registered the case against Gadlinge and had arrested him last week. However, he was released on bail a day after the arrest. The police officers have said that the accused Gadlinge have been disturbed after a failed relationship, for the past three to four years. He is undergoing treatment, they said.

Senior inspector Nasir Kulkarni said, "We have arrested the accused Shubham Gadlinge for posting photographs of minors and women on social media. We have recorded statements of two-three girls. We suspect there are more than 150-200 victims. We did not get his sufficient police custody as he was released on bail last week." "His family told us that he was suffering from depression. We are checking his medical documents."

12-25 yrs
Age of victims who have filed the complaint