Lucknow: A 17-year-old girl was allegedly blackmailed by her Instagram friend, who threatened to leak her private photographs online and extorted ₹60,000 in cash and 36 grams of gold jewellery, police said.The complaint was lodged at Hasanganj police station by the girl’s father, who alleged that the accused exploited the teenager’s trust after connecting with her on Instagram in Dec 2025.According to the complaint, the accused gradually gained the girl’s confidence and allegedly obtained her Snapchat login credentials. He then downloaded her private photographs without her knowledge and began threatening to circulate them on social media.The complainant alleged that the accused repeatedly coerced the teenager into sending money through the Porter delivery app, collecting around ₹58,000 in cash on multiple occasions. He also allegedly made her transfer another ₹2,000 online.Police said the accused further forced the girl to hand over 36 grams of gold jewellery, including a gold ring, chain, bracelet and three mangalsutras, between April and June 2026.The matter came to light after the family noticed cash and jewellery missing from the house. Upon being questioned, the girl reportedly broke down and narrated her ordeal.The father alleged that when he contacted the accused and demanded the return of the cash and jewellery, the latter threatened to publish the girl’s private photographs if the matter was reported to the police. He further alleged that the accused created fake email IDs and social media accounts in the victim’s name.The family has sought legal action against the accused on charges of blackmail, cybercrime, criminal intimidation and extortion, besides requesting protection for the minor and recovery of the cash and jewellery.Police said they have received the complaint and are verifying the allegations.
