Businessman Files Police Complaint Over Facebook Page Extortion Involving Minor Son's Old Video
In a concerning incident highlighting the dark side of social media, a businessman from Rajkot has lodged a formal complaint with the Morbi City B Division police. The complaint targets an individual who operates a Facebook page, accusing him of uploading an old video depicting a school fight involving the complainant's 17-year-old son. The businessman alleges that the page administrator not only refused to take down the video but also demanded money in exchange for its removal, sparking fears of online extortion and potential harm to the minor's well-being.
Details of the Incident and Video Circulation
According to the police report, the businessman was alerted on Wednesday to a video circulating widely on social media platforms. The footage showed his son and his friends engaged in a physical altercation with students from another school. Authorities confirmed that the incident had originally occurred on July 16 of the previous year and had been resolved amicably at that time. The complainant stated that upon discovering the video, he immediately contacted his son, who verified that the dispute had been settled nearly seven months prior, underscoring the outdated nature of the content.
Concerns Over Impact on Minor's Education and Safety
The businessman expressed significant distress, emphasizing that the renewed circulation of this old video could adversely affect his son, who is currently in a critical phase of preparing for pre-board examinations. He highlighted the potential for emotional distress and reputational damage, which might interfere with the child's academic focus and mental health. This case raises broader issues about the misuse of social media to exploit personal conflicts and target minors, particularly in sensitive periods like exam preparation.
Alleged Extortion Attempt and Police Action
In an attempt to resolve the matter, the complainant, through his brother, reached out to the Facebook page administrator with a request to delete the video. However, the accused allegedly refused to comply and instead demanded a monetary payment as a condition for removing the content. This act has led to the filing of a formal case under Section 356(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 23 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act, indicating serious legal implications related to extortion and child protection. Police are investigating the allegations to determine the full extent of the wrongdoing and ensure accountability.
Broader Implications for Online Safety and Legal Recourse
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the growing challenges posed by social media harassment and extortion schemes targeting vulnerable individuals, especially minors. It underscores the importance of robust legal frameworks, such as the BNS and Pocso Act, in addressing such offenses. Authorities urge the public to report similar incidents promptly and to exercise caution when sharing or engaging with sensitive content online to prevent exploitation and safeguard children's rights in the digital age.
