Lucknow: Lucknow Police on Sunday arrested two more accused from a gang involved in trapping victims through online dating apps, filming them, and extorting money through blackmail. The accused, Vansh Rastogi (19) and Rishabh Rastogi (21), both residents of Chinhat were arrested in a joint operation by the SWAT/Surveillance team under DCP North and the Aliganj police.During interrogation, the two confessed of their involvement and admitted to carrying out similar crimes earlier. Police recovered three mobile phones and Rs 390 in cash from their possession.According to police, the gang used the dating app “Grindr” to contact victims. One member would first visit the victim’s room or house, after which other gang members would enter on a pre-arranged signal.The accused would then record objectionable videos of the victim and threaten to circulate them. Victims were coerced into transferring money and were also robbed of cash, mobile phones, and other valuables.The case came to light after an FIR was registered at Aliganj police station on Mar 15, alleging forced entry, assault, robbery, and online extortion. Police made the first arrests on Mar 16, arresting four individuals, including a minor who was sent to a reform home. Police said the seized mobile phones are being sent for forensic examination to retrieve digital evidence. Authorities are also verifying the criminal history of the accused and probing their involvement in other cases across districts.
