In Chamanjag, Kanpur, a young woman alleges that her late father's friend, Shanu (Taufiq), recorded her bathing and used the footage to extort money and make obscene marriage proposals. The accused demanded ₹5 million, a gold chain, and promised a flat, prompting a police investigation overseen by the ACP.

  • Shanu recorded a bathing video and blackmailed the victim
  • He demanded ₹5 million, a gold chain and ₹15,000
  • Police have launched a probe under ACP Sisamau’s supervision

Incident Overview

A 22‑year‑old resident of Chamanjag, Kanpur, claims her late father’s close friend, local wholesaler Shanu aka Taufiq, filmed her while she was bathing and used the clip to blackmail her. He threatened to circulate the video unless she paid five lakh rupees. Under pressure, she handed over a gold chain and ₹15,000.

Subsequently, Shanu allegedly told her, "kiss me and marry me," and even offered to keep her as his second wife and secure a flat for her. These demands left the victim terrified and humiliated.

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Relationship Context

Shanu and the victim’s father were longtime business associates in the local hozri trade, which meant Shanu frequently visited the family home. The victim and her siblings referred to him as "uncle," a term that continued even after her father’s death.

Method of Extortion

According to the victim, Shanu first sent a WhatsApp message stating that the bathing video was already spreading online. He then called, demanding five lakh rupees to stop the leak. The victim wrote "OK" on a piece of paper as a sign of agreement and handed over the gold chain and cash.

Police Response

The victim’s brother arranged a meeting at Motijheel, where Shanu was physically restrained and handed over to the Chamanjag police station. Although an initial settlement was brokered by the local police inspector, Shanu continued to harass the victim, prompting her to approach Police Commissioner Raghubir Lal. The case was assigned to ACP Sisamau, and the inspector who facilitated the earlier settlement is now under investigation.

Historical Background

With the rise of smartphones, incidents of non‑consensual video recordings and subsequent blackmail have surged across India. Under the Information Technology (Amendment) Act, 2018, such acts are punishable, yet victims often face social stigma and limited access to legal recourse, especially in semi‑urban areas.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this case underscores the urgent need for stronger cyber‑law enforcement in Uttar Pradesh and enhanced victim‑support services, as personal relationships are increasingly weaponized in digital extortion.

Cyber‑security expert Dr. Anita Gupta notes, "Legal action alone isn’t enough; public awareness and swift police response are crucial to curb video blackmail."
Did You Know?: Over 30,000 digital blackmail complaints are filed annually in India, with a majority involving acquaintances or family members.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Has a criminal case been filed against Shanu?
A: Yes, an FIR for blackmail, intimidation, and harassment has been registered and the investigation is ongoing.

Q2: What support can the victim expect?
A: She can access legal aid, cyber‑safety counseling, and police‑provided protection measures.