Anshika Singh Arrested in Gorakhpur: How Did Police Uncover the Modus Operandi of a Digital Honey Trap and Blackmail Network?

Gorakhpur, January 23: What began as a roadside birthday celebration in Gorakhpur spiralled into a major criminal investigation after a firing incident exposed a large honey trap and blackmail syndicate operating across Uttar Pradesh.

The case came into the open on January 20 in the Cantt area when a dispute over extortion money turned violent, leaving one man critically injured. The incident led to the arrest of 28 year old Anshika Singh, who is now accused of running a digital extortion racket targeting dozens of men, including government officials and police personnel. Who Is Anshika Singh? All About the Gorakhpur Woman Who Was Arrested After Birthday Party Firing As Blackmail and Extortion Links Surface; NCIB Calls Her Con Artist.

How the Incident Unfolded

According to police, Singh was celebrating her birthday near a liquor shop when Vishal Mishra, a hospital manager, arrived to hand over cash allegedly demanded by her. Investigators say Singh had asked for INR 50,000, but Mishra brought only INR 20,000, triggering a heated argument. Gorakhpur Roadside Birthday Celebration Turns Violent: Woman Fires Pistol During Scuffle, Nursing Home Driver Injured in Singhariya.

During the confrontation, Singh allegedly pulled out a pistol from her handbag. In the scuffle that followed, a shot was fired, hitting Mishra’s friend Amitabh Nishad in the abdomen. Hearing the gunshot, local residents rushed to the spot, overpowered Singh and her companions, and handed them over to the police.

The Modus Operandi Behind the Honey Trap

A forensic examination of Singh’s mobile phone revealed what police describe as a well organised honey trap operation.

She allegedly befriended men through social media platforms and messaging apps, gradually building trust through frequent chats and calls. Once familiarity was established, Singh would initiate video calls involving nudity and secretly screen record them.

Police say she then used the compromising videos to extort money. Victims were allegedly threatened with false criminal cases, including serious charges under the POCSO Act, if they refused to pay.

Firing Incident Led to Her Arrest

Officials say the public shooting proved to be the turning point in the case. The gunshot in a crowded area drew immediate attention, allowing locals to detain Singh before police arrived.

Investigators say that without the firing incident, the racket could have continued undetected. The seizure of her mobile phone during arrest helped police trace the digital trail of blackmail and extortion.

Scale of the Racket Under Probe

Police have identified records pointing to nearly 165 potential victims stored on Singh’s phone. The data includes obscene videos, chats and call logs allegedly involving men from multiple districts, including some linked to government departments and law enforcement.

Singh is believed to have worked with local history sheeters who helped intimidate victims and collect money. Police are conducting raids to arrest her absconding associates and are examining financial transactions to trace the flow of extorted funds.

What Lies Ahead

Anshika Singh remains in police custody as the investigation widens. More arrests are expected in the coming days. Police have urged anyone who may have been targeted by similar honey trap tactics to come forward and assist the investigation.

The Gorakhpur birthday firing has now turned into a key case showing how a moment of public violence exposed a hidden digital extortion network built on manipulation, fear and online exploitation.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 23, 2026 01:23 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).