Law intern accused of blackmail, sexual assault of married woman in Bhopal

A 24-year-old law intern has been arrested in Bhopal after police registered a case accusing him of blackmail, rape, and prolonged sexual exploitation of a 32-year-old married woman, officials confirmed on Friday.

The case has drawn attention to the growing threat of digital blackmail and online image manipulation, especially targeting women through social media platforms.

How the alleged abuse unfolded

According to the Bhopal police, the survivor is a mother of two and lived in the same neighborhood where the accused had rented a room while pursuing his LLB internship.

Police officials said the accused allegedly began stalking the woman during her daily routine of dropping her children at school. When she resisted his attempts to contact her, he allegedly threatened to edit her Instagram photos into obscene images and circulate them online to damage her reputation.

In June 2025, investigators say the accused lured the woman to his rented accommodation, where he allegedly raped her. The threat of social humiliation and online exposure was then allegedly used to coerce her into continued sexual exploitation for several months.

Forced relocation and rescue operation

Police stated that on December 15, 2025, the accused allegedly pressured the woman to leave Bhopal and travel with him to Jhansi. The two reportedly began living in a rented house there.

Meanwhile, the woman’s husband filed a missing person complaint after she disappeared. Acting on mobile location tracking and technical surveillance, a police team traced her whereabouts and rescued her from Jhansi, officials said.

Official response and legal action

A senior police officer confirmed that a case has been registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including charges related to rape, criminal intimidation, and blackmail.

The accused is currently in custody, and further investigation is underway.

Authorities emphasized that digital evidence, mobile data, and forensic analysis will play a crucial role in strengthening the case.