A seemingly innocent love story that began on social media in January this year culminated in a police trap and arrest by December for a young woman in Patna. What started as a digital romance with a man named 'Sonu' unraveled into a distressing tale of deception, where her online partner was exposed as a married father of three children.
The Digital Deception and Unraveling Truth
The accused, who presented himself as 'Sonu' to the woman, was in reality Mohammad Rustam, a man employed at a shop in Kolkata and married since 2012. According to ASP Sadar Abhinav, Rustam deliberately hid his real identity and religion while befriending the woman online. Their connection deepened, and he eventually convinced her to meet him at a hotel in Karbigahiya, where he promised marriage.
Over time, the accused developed physical relations with her on multiple occasions and, alarmingly, recorded obscene videos without her consent. The woman's suspicions were first aroused when Rustam became evasive about their marriage plans. Another red flag was the occasional sound of children in the background during their calls, which he dismissively attributed to "street kids." Acting on her doubts, the woman investigated and uncovered the shocking truth: Rustam was not 'Sonu' but a married man with three children aged nine, six, and over two years.
From Heartbreak to Blackmail and Police Action
Upon discovering his real identity, the victim immediately distanced herself and blocked Rustam on all platforms. However, this did not end her ordeal. In a retaliatory move, the accused began blackmailing her using the private videos he had recorded. He pressured her to leave Patna and live with him in Kolkata, threatening to make the videos public if she refused.
Fearing for her safety and reputation, the woman gathered courage and approached the Patna police on December 15 to file a formal complaint. Based on her statement, the police devised a plan to apprehend Rustam. Following police instructions, the woman unblocked his number and agreed to meet him, setting the stage for his capture.
The Police Trap and Legal Repercussions
The police laid a trap at the Mithapur bus stand in Patna. When Mohammad Rustam arrived to meet the woman and held her hand, plainclothes officers moved in and apprehended him immediately. ASP Sadar Abhinav confirmed the arrest and stated that the accused was forwarded to jail on the following Tuesday.
A case has been registered against Mohammad Rustam under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for his actions, which include cheating, breach of trust, and blackmail. This incident serves as a stark warning about the potential dangers of online relationships where identities can be easily fabricated. It highlights the importance of vigilance and verification in the digital dating space and underscores the role of law enforcement in addressing such cyber-facilitated crimes.
