Hyderabad, July 10: A 65-year-old man became the latest victim of a blackmail racket targeting gay men in Hyderabad after being lured through a dating app. He was invited to a hotel room in Ameerpet, where he was secretly filmed in a compromising situation and then threatened with exposure unless he paid money. The victim approached the Panjagutta police, leading to the arrest of three men involved in the scheme. Investigations revealed a larger network operating in multiple city areas using fake profiles to trap victims.

According to a Free Press Journal report, the accused created fake profiles on a gay dating app, posing as potential partners to lure unsuspecting individuals to hotels and farmhouses across Hyderabad. Once the victim arrived, one gang member would engage with him while the others waited nearby. At the right moment, the accomplices would enter the room and secretly record compromising videos using mobile phones, which were later used to threaten and extort money from the victims. Hyderabad Metro Creates Green Corridor for Heart Transplantation, Covers 13 Km in 13 Minutes (Watch Video).

In one disturbing case, a doctor was invited to a farmhouse where he was given alcohol until he became intoxicated. The gang then took explicit photos of him without his consent and demanded INR 2 lakh to avoid public exposure. The gang also employed tactics such as sending fake payment screenshots to victims, falsely claiming that the money transfers had failed, which pressured the victims to pay even more. Hyderabad Car Fire: Narrow Escape for Passengers As Moving Vehicle Bursts Into Flames on Durgam Cheruvu Cable Bridge in Telangana; Videos Surface.

Police investigations revealed that the racket operated not only in Ameerpet but also in Kukatpally, Gachibowli, and Banjara Hills, indicating a well-organised and widespread criminal network. Authorities believe that many victims have not reported the crimes due to fear of social stigma and personal repercussions. A senior police officer told the Free Press Journal that while most victims are educated and employed, their hesitation to come forward has allowed the gang to continue operating.

Men's Helpline Numbers:

Milaap: 9990588768; All India Men Helpline: 9911666498; Men Welfare Trust: 8882498498.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 10, 2025 09:08 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).