Two shocking cases in Pune and Akola reveal how gay dating apps were used to trap and blackmail victims through obscene videos, leading to arrests and renewed concerns over digital safety and privacy.
Pune | 18th July, 2025: As dating apps become increasingly popular among today’s youth to build relationships, their misuse is also on the rise—especially among users from the LGBTQ+ community. Two recent cases from Pune and Akola reveal how predators are exploiting gay dating apps like Grindr for blackmail and extortion.
Pune Incident: Blackmail Through Obscene Video
A young man from Pune fell victim after connecting with another man on the gay dating app Grindr. According to Pune Police, the accused, identified as Robin alias Shubham Kamble, first befriended the victim and gradually gained his trust.
Once the victim agreed to meet, Kamble took him to a different location in a car, where he secretly recorded an obscene video and threatened to send it to the victim’s family. When the victim refused to pay a demanded ransom of ₹10,000, Kamble forcibly took his phone and transferred money using Google Pay and PhonePe.
Nanded City Police have arrested Kamble and seized the car used in the crime. However, his accomplice, Omkar Mandlik, is still on the run and police are actively searching for him. The case has sent shockwaves through Pune’s queer community, raising concerns about digital safety and trust.
Akola Case: Bank Officer Trapped and Blackmailed
In a similar incident in Akola, a senior bank officer fell prey to two individuals he met via a gay dating app. The officer began chatting with the men on WhatsApp, and their relationship gradually intensified. The duo secretly filmed a video of the officer engaging in a sexual act with them.
They later used the footage to blackmail the officer, threatening to make it public. Under pressure, the officer paid ₹80,000 to the culprits. Eventually, he mustered the courage to approach Khadan Police Station and file a complaint. Based on his report, police arrested the two accused—Manish Naik and Mayur Bagde.
These cases highlight a disturbing trend: the weaponization of dating platforms and sexual orientation to exploit, shame, and extort individuals. Authorities urge users of such platforms to stay vigilant, avoid in-person meetings in isolated locations, and report suspicious behavior promptly.
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