Fake journalists plant cameras in Karnataka woman's home, then demand Rs 50 lakh

In a chilling case of digital extortion, a group of men allegedly planted hidden cameras inside the residence of a woman officer in Karnataka's Belagavi district, concealing the devices in bulb holders to secretly record her private moments.

Police said the accused later approached the officer posing as journalists and demanded Rs 50 lakh, threatening to make the videos viral on social media if the money was not paid. Distressed by repeated calls and intimidation, the officer lodged a complaint with the Police Commissioner.

Acting on the complaint, police arrested three men involved in the blackmail racket. They have been identified as Sameer Nisar Ahmed Sheikh, Abdul Rashid Makandar and Mohammed Balekundri, all residents of Karnataka.

Officials said that they were struck by the method used to capture the footage, with miniature cameras hidden inside household fittings.

During the operation, police seized two Samsung Galaxy Ultra phones, one Vivo phone, a 64 GB pen drive, six hidden cameras, two OTGs, two memory cards, eight 128 GB memory cards, and an Innova Crysta car.

Police said further investigation into the matter is underway to identify other possible associates and determine how long the surveillance had been carried out.