Case Study On Sextortion In India

Shyam Kumar, LLM, Chanakya National Law University, Patna

ABSTRACT

The cybercrime known as "sextortion," which has been reported in the West, has now reached India. It is a type of sexual exploitation where the victim is coerced into giving sexual favours via non-physical means. Smartphones and Internet access make it easier for users to be active on virtual social media platforms where predators can pose as victims and steal their private messages, audio files, images, and videos. These are subsequently used to demand cash, engage in sexual activity, or request any other favours. In doing so, the paper considers foreign best practices that could be implemented in the Indian context and looks at the gaps in the current legal and social sanctions regimes. In order to investigate the frequency, patterns, and sociocultural elements influencing sextortion cases in India, the study uses an extensive research methodology that combines qualitative and quantitative analysis. The research aims to clarify the complexity surrounding the commission of sextortion and its effects on both people and society as a whole. It does this by utilising a wide range of sources, such as laws, justice system statistics, victim testimonials, and specialist perspectives. The techniques used by offenders, the function that technology plays in enabling sextortion, and the drawbacks of current legal and law enforcement systems in dealing with this increasing attack are some of the important topics addressed. The study also examines the psychological and emotional toll that such crimes have on victims, including the stigma associated with them and the difficulties they have in reporting them. The purpose of this case study's conclusions is to provide law enforcement, legislators, and cyber security experts with useful information for creating focused plans to counter sextortion in the Indi an context. This research aims to contribute to a safer and more resilient digital landscape for every person by promoting a deeper understanding of the processes at work and paving the path for stronger legislative frameworks, improved technological safeguards, and a more responsive victim support system.

Keywords: Sextortion, Cyber Crime, Victim, Video Call, Blackmailing