Mumbai: Ex-lover, gym trainer held for harassing women

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The Gamdevi and Tardeo police recently arrested two men in separate incidents involving online exploitation and blackmail. The first incident came to light when a 23-year-old homemaker sought justice against the accused who had been using explicit photos to target her. The complainant, who resided in a village, had come to her uncle's residence in 2022 to spend time with her sister. She was approached by the accused on Instagram. After chatting for a while, the duo got into a relationship. Whenever the woman visited her uncle's home, the accused would meet her.

However, when the complainant decided to move on and got married to someone else, she blocked the accused on social media. Infuriated, the man made a threatening call to her on June 4, stating his intention to ruin her life. On June 10, the accused posted explicit photos of the woman on various online platforms. The complainant's mother-in-law discovered these photos and informed her, leading to the registration of a case against the accused.

The Gamdevi police acted on the complaint, tracing the accused, Sumit Mhaske, to his residence in Beed, and apprehending him on June 29. Mhaske was charged under Indian Penal Code (IPC) Sections 376 (rape) and 506 (criminal intimidation), and the IT Act.

In the second incident, a 38-year-old gym trainer, Gulam Qureshi, was arrested for allegedly blackmailing a 40-year-old woman and extorting money from her. The complainant, a Girgaon resident, had regularly visited a gym located in Tardeo, where she met the accused. The duo became friends and would discuss fitness and exercise routines and engage in chats on WhatsApp.

However, on June 10, Qureshi threatened to share explicit photos of the woman on social media unless she complied with his demands. Fearful for her safety and reputation, the victim reluctantly paid him Rs 71,000 to prevent the release of her photos. However, the accused still continued to demand money and also demand sexual favours.

Refusing to give in, the woman approached the Tardeo police and reported the matter. The police acted promptly, apprehending Qureshi from his residence in Shivaji Nagar on June 29. He faces charges under Sections 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 384 (extortion), 385 (putting a person in fear of injury to commit extortion) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the IPC.

Rs 71,000
Amount paid by woman to Qureshi