A software developer was arrested for harassing women through false Facebook posts.
Hyderabad: A software professional, who allegedly created a fake Facebook account of a married woman and posted obscene information and morphed images to defame and spoil her married life, was arrested from Karimnagar district, police said on Wednesday. The accused, identified as a 30-year-old man, reportedly held a grudge against the woman due to personal differences. The police disclosed that he meticulously crafted the fake account to manipulate and damage her reputation, targeting her social connections and causing emotional distress.
Victimized by this malicious act, the woman approached law enforcement after discovering the fabricated account, which had gained a significant following and attracted derogatory comments. Upon her complaint, the Cyber Crime unit launched an investigation, tracing the account to the suspect in Karimnagar.
Authorities emphasized the seriousness of cybercrimes, urging citizens to remain vigilant against such deceitful tactics aimed at tarnishing reputations. The police have reassured the public that strict action will be taken against individuals who exploit digital platforms for harassment or vengeance. The suspect is expected to face multiple charges, including defamation and cyber harassment, as the investigation unfolds.
They said 23-year-old Rampally Ravi, an IT professional also pursuing an M.Tech, was arrested on Tuesday by operatives of the Cyber Crime police station attached to the Crime Investigation Department (CID) in Hyderabad.
On interrogation, Ravi confessed that he was in love with the victim, and when she was getting married, he pressured her not to marry. Still, she went ahead and tied the knot, CID Additional Director General of Police T Krishna Prasad said.
“Later, Ravi pressurized and blackmailed her to have an affair with him even after the marriage, following which the victim made him apologize in front of elders, which angered him,” the senior police officer said.
After this incident, Ravi hatched a plan to spoil her married life by creating a fake Facebook profile and sending obscene content to the victim’s husband and her friends to harass and defame her, the CID officer said.
As an IT professional, Ravi came to his friend’s house in Hyderabad, used his computer and internet connectivity to commit the offence, and cheated on his friend.
The victim filed a complaint with Cyber Crime police in CID last year, after which a case was registered under relevant sections of the IT Act and various other sections of the IPC.
Police added that Ravi’s possession of a hard disk, memory card, and other incriminating documents used to commit the offence was seized, and he was sent to judicial remand. Investigation officers revealed that the hard disk contained sensitive information linked to several ongoing cases. The memory card, they noted, was loaded with photographs and messages that raised further suspicions about Ravi’s involvement in the illegal activities. Authorities are currently unravelling the extent of the operation, with forensic teams analyzing the seized materials for evidence.
Meanwhile, police have asked anyone with additional information regarding Ravi’s activities to come forward. The matter has attracted significant attention, and officials are keen to ensure justice is served. Authorities continue to emphasize their commitment to tackling such crimes, aiming to restore public trust in safety and security measures. Further developments are expected as the investigation unfolds.
