LUCKNOW – The Uttar Pradesh Police have apprehended a salon owner in the state capital for allegedly orchestrating a predatory scheme involving identity theft, sexual exploitation, and coerced religious conversion.
The accused, identified as Shoaib Akhtar, a resident of Gonda operating a salon in Lucknow, was arrested following a series of grave allegations involving the entrapment of young women through social media.
Deceptive Modus Operandi
According to police officials, Akhtar utilized a sophisticated “catfishing” technique to initiate contact with victims. Investigations revealed that:
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Fake Identity: Akhtar allegedly operated an Instagram profile under the pseudonym “Saurabh Singh” to conceal his religious identity and build trust with Hindu girls.
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Blackmail Tactics: After establishing relationships and allegedly sexually abusing the victims, the accused reportedly recorded objectionable photos and videos without consent.
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Forced Conversion: These recordings were then used as leverage. Akhtar allegedly threatened to leak the explicit content online unless the victims agreed to undergo religious conversion.
The Investigation
The matter came to light when a minor approached the Lucknow police to report her ordeal. She detailed how “Saurabh” had harassed her and used sensitive footage to blackmail her into changing her faith.
Upon his arrest, authorities conducted a forensic sweep of Akhtar’s mobile device.
“We have recovered several pieces of objectionable media from the accused’s phone, including content involving minors,” a police spokesperson stated. “We are currently investigating the scale of this operation to determine if there are additional victims or accomplices involved in a larger conspiracy.”
Legal Action
Shoaib Akhtar has been booked under multiple stringent sections of the law, reflecting the severity of the charges:
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Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for sexual assault and criminal intimidation.
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UP Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act (Anti-conversion law).
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Information Technology (IT) Act for the distribution or possession of explicit digital content.
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POCSO Act, given the involvement of at least one minor victim.
The accused remains in judicial custody as the Lucknow police continue their expanded probe into his digital footprints and salon business operations.
