Love Affair, Private Videos, Blackmail: How Priyanka Chaudhary Honeytrapped Rich Men Including UP Cop

Police in Uttar Pradesh's Basti district have arrested three people, including a woman, her father, and a lawyer, following the death by suicide of a local police station officer who was allegedly victimised in a high-profile honeytrap and extortion racket.

The deceased, 56-year-old Suryaprakash Singh, served as the Station Officer (SO) at Walterganj police station and had four years remaining before his retirement. On August 29, 2026, Singh was found hanging at his government accommodation near the district collectorate. Shortly before his death, he posted a message on his WhatsApp status: "Wealth and property are necessary, but nothing is greater than peace and love." Who Is Anshika Singh? UP Woman Accused of Honeytrap Scam That Targeted 150 People.

Key Arrests and Evidence Recovered

Following an analysis of call detail records (CDRs) and initial questioning of Singh’s family members, police arrested 32-year-old Priyanka Chaudhary, her father Ramnayan Chaudhary, and lawyer Vijay Prakash outside Sadar Hospital. All three suspects were placed in judicial custody.

During the arrests, investigators seized three mobile phones and a Mahindra Bolero vehicle. Police revealed that Vijay Prakash was directly involved in coordinating and collecting extorted funds, allegedly operating in tandem with Priyanka and her father. Honey-Trap Racket Busted in UP: Woman Arrested in Bareilly for Blackmailing Man for INR 10 Lakh With Fake Rape Case Threat.

Modus Operandi of the Honeytrap Ring

According to DIG Sanjeev Tyagi, Priyanka, a resident of Gandhar within the Walterganj police jurisdiction, had been living separately from her husband for about a decade and previously worked at beauty parlors and spa centers in Mumbai.

Investigators allege that Priyanka targetted financially well-off individuals by initiating relationships and documenting private conversations, audio calls and video interactions. She then allegedly used the recorded material to blackmail her targets. To coerce compliance, she reportedly sent videos of herself threatening self-harm, such as pretending to cut her wrists, to create panic among the victims.

Priyanka originally came into contact with Officer Singh when she approached Walterganj police station regarding a legal case filed against her husband. The professional interaction escalated into a personal relationship, which she later allegedly exploited for blackmail.

Accused Priyanka Chaudhary in Basti Police Custody

Extortion Demands and Financial Extent

Police reported that on the afternoon of August 29, hours before Singh's death, lawyer Vijay Prakash called the officer to demand Rs 1 crore. Unable to meet the extortion attempt, Singh allegedly died by suicide later that day.

Further investigation into the syndicate revealed that the group had previously extorted approximately Rs 24 lakh from at least three other victims, including a medical doctor. Authorities are continuing to analyse financial trails and electronic evidence to determine whether additional individuals were targeted by the network.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 07, 2026 11:43 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).