MAWKYRWAT: A 22-year-old man has been arrested from Gujarat in connection with an alleged cyber blackmail case that police believe led to the suicide of a young woman in South West Khasi Hills district.
The case was registered after the victim’s sister lodged an FIR alleging that her sister died by suicide by hanging on April 19, 2026, at around 6:40 pm. According to the complaint, the victim had been subjected to continuous blackmail, threats, and intimidation by the accused, who allegedly threatened to circulate her private photographs and videos through WhatsApp and Instagram.
Following the complaint, Mawkyrwat Women Police Station registered Case No. 04/2026 under Sections 77, 79, 351(3), and 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), read with Sections 66E and 67A of the Information Technology Act. Investigation was immediately initiated.
During the course of the investigation, the accused was traced to Surat district in Gujarat. A team from South West Khasi Hills District Police, with assistance from Palsana Police Station, arrested the accused on June 23, 2026, at around 2:30 pm.
The accused has been identified as Sachin Nishad (22), son of Yogendra Nishad, a resident of Bhidoor, Ambedkar Nagar district, Uttar Pradesh.
Police said the accused is being produced before the competent court within the period of transit remand granted by the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC), Surat.
The district police have appealed to the public, especially young people and victims of online harassment, cyber blackmail, sextortion, and threats involving private photographs or videos, not to suffer in silence or take any extreme step. Stressing that such acts are serious criminal offences, police urged victims to seek immediate assistance and report incidents at the earliest.
Those facing similar situations may contact the following helplines and support services:
· Emergency Police Assistance: 112
· Cyber Crime Helpline: 1930
· National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal: www.cybercrime.gov.in
· Women Helpline: 181
· District Police Control Room: +91 8415886486
· Mental Health Care Helpline: 14410
· District Mental Health Helpline: +91 9612889267
Police said timely reporting can help ensure prompt intervention, counselling, and legal assistance for victims of cyber harassment and online abuse.
