SHILLONG, JUNE 25: A 22-year-old man from Uttar Pradesh was arrested in Surat, Gujarat, this week in connection with a cyber blackmail case that police said led a woman in South West Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya to die by suicide in April.
The arrest followed a written complaint lodged by Balapynshun Nongrum of Mawkyrwat village, who informed police that her sister died by hanging on April 19, 2026, at around 6.40 pm after allegedly facing sustained threats and intimidation.
The FIR stated that the accused had allegedly obtained private photographs and videos of the woman and threatened to circulate them on WhatsApp and Instagram unless she complied with his demands.
Based on the complaint, Mawkyrwat Women Police Station registered Case No. 04/2026 under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology 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 at about 2.30 pm.
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The arrested man has been identified as Sachin Nishad (22), son of Yogendra Nishad and a resident of Bhidoor in Ambedkar Nagar, Uttar Pradesh.
He was produced before the Judicial Magistrate First Class in Surat within the transit remand period granted by the court.
In a statement issued today, the Superintendent of Police 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.
Police emphasised that cyber blackmail, sextortion and threats to circulate private content are serious criminal offences and that law enforcement agencies are 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 said, encouraging early reporting so that timely intervention, counselling and legal assistance can be provided.
Further investigation into the case is ongoing.
