Shillong, June 25: A person, whose alleged act of online blackmailing forced a woman from Meghalaya to take her own life two months ago, was arrested from Surat in Gujarat.
The person, Sachin Nishad (22), hailing from Bhidoor in Uttar Pradesh, allegedly obtained private photographs and videos of the woman and threatened to circulate them online unless she complied with his demands.
The woman from Mawkyrwat in South West Khasi Hills allegedly committed suicide in April this year, prompting her brother to lodge a complaint.
According to the FIR, she died by hanging on April 19, 2026, around 6:40 PM after facing sustained threats and intimidation from the accused.
Based on the complaint, Mawkyrwat Women Police Station registered Case No. 04/2026 under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the IT Act, and launched an investigation.
Tracing digital evidence led investigators to Surat District, where a team from South West Khasi Hills Police, assisted by Palasiya Police Station in Gujarat, apprehended the accused on June 23 around 2:30 PM.
He was produced before the Judicial Magistrate First Class in Surat within the transit remand period granted by the court.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Superintendent of Police (SP) of South West Khasi Hills urged the public, particularly young people and victims of online harassment, not to remain silent or resort to extreme measures.
The police emphasized that cyber blackmail, sextortion, and threats to circulate private content are serious criminal offences and that law enforcement is committed to acting swiftly against offenders.
The district police also appealed to anyone facing similar distress to seek help immediately through available helplines, including the emergency police number 112, cyber crime helpline 1930, women helpline 181, and mental health support lines.
“Your life is precious. Help is available, and the police are here to assist and support you,” the Superintendent of Police stated, encouraging early reporting so that timely intervention, counseling, and legal assistance can be provided.
