Gwalior Shocker: Man Arrested for Posing As ‘Hindu’ to S*xually Exploit Minor via Messaging App 'A-Chat'
A 25-year-old man from Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior has been arrested for allegedly posing as a Hindu youth on the A-Chat messaging app to s*xually exploit a 17-year-old girl in Gujarat. Police said he used the name "Sonu" and falsely claimed to be a 23-year-old unmarried man when he contacted the minor in February.
Ahmedabad/Gwalior, July 17: A 25‑year‑old man from Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior has been arrested after allegedly posing as a Hindu youth on a messaging application to s*xually exploit a 17‑year‑old girl, Ahmedabad Rural police said on Friday. Police said the girl was contacted in February this year on a messaging app called “A-Chat” by someone using the name “Sonu” and claiming to be a 23‑year‑old unmarried man.
Over months, the man, who later identified himself as Bittukhan alias Sonu Rahishkhan, obtained the girl’s mobile number, moved the conversation to WhatsApp, and repeatedly pressured her to make nude video calls and to meet in person for physical relations. “When she refused to comply, he threatened to make intimate images public and began blackmailing her. He also obtained access to her Gmail and Instagram passwords and used those accounts to monitor and coerce her," officials told IANS. Gwalior Shocker: 8-Year-Old Boy Dies of Electric Shock While Helping Neighbours Lay Illegal Wires for INR 20; Disturbing CCTV Video Surfaces.
The girl eventually told her mother, who lodged a complaint at Kanbha Police Station. The police registered an FIR under Bhartiya Nyay Sanhita, 2023, sections 75(2), 78(2), 79, 351(2); Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act) 2012 sections 8, 11 (2)(4)(5), 12; and Information Technology Act 2000 sections 66(c)(d), 67(b)(2).
A joint team from the local police station and the local crime branch carried out technical surveillance and cyber analysis to trace the accused. He was arrested within hours at his residence. Police said that he works at a furniture shop. “Our team identified his location through cyber forensics and effected the arrest promptly. The accused is married and has a child. This information, the suspect has concealed while assuming a Hindu and unmarried identity to gain the victim’s trust," officials added.
During questioning, the accused reportedly admitted he was communicating with multiple young women on the app using the same or similar identities. “He disclosed that he was simultaneously talking to three to four girls,” a police officer involved in the investigation said. Police have not said whether other victims have lodged complaints; they added they will approach potentially affected girls to establish if further offences occurred. Madhya Pradesh Shocker: 8-Year-Old Girl Dies After Being Beaten With Nail-Studded Stick on Suspicions of Theft in Gwalior; Accused Arrested.
The police emphasised that no money is known to have been taken from the victim. Police urged parents and young people to exercise caution when using social media and messaging applications. “Do not share personal photos or videos with unknown persons online. Verify anyone’s claimed identity before trusting them. Do not share account passwords. If someone attempts to blackmail you, contact your guardian or the nearest police station immediately,” officials emphasised. The police confirmed the victim’s identity is being kept confidential under legal provisions. Investigations are ongoing.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 17, 2026 11:37 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
