A 26-year-old policewoman posted at a station in Gorakhpur has allegedly become the target of sustained cyber harassment after an obscene photograph and her mobile number were circulated through a fake Facebook profile created in her name.
How the Harassment Began
The policewoman, originally from Ballia, told investigators she was on official duty at the police station on August 17 when she began receiving repeated calls from unknown numbers. Soon after, obscene messages and objectionable photographs also started arriving through WhatsApp. She initially ignored the calls and messages, but as their frequency increased, she began suspecting she was being deliberately targeted. Distressed by the continuous harassment, she eventually switched off her phone.
Discovering the Fake Profile
When she firmly questioned one of the callers, she allegedly learned a fake Facebook profile had been created using her name and photograph, carrying an obscene image alongside her mobile number and actively encouraging others to contact her for obscene conversations. Once the profile began circulating, a large number of unknown individuals reportedly started calling and messaging her, causing considerable mental distress.
FIR Registered
The policewoman subsequently filed a written complaint, and an FIR was registered on September 3 under relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The case has been assigned to a sub-inspector, and police have begun examining the digital evidence connected to the alleged harassment.
What Investigators Are Examining
Police are scrutinising the fake profile itself, its details, associated URL, and other digital information tied to how it was created and operated, working to identify who created and ran the account, along with the device and internet connection used to access it. A key part of the investigation is also establishing exactly how the policewoman's photograph and mobile number reached whoever was behind the profile in the first place.
Investigators are additionally examining communication records, WhatsApp messages, phone numbers, and other available digital evidence connected to the people who contacted her, work that could help identify the operator and determine whether one person or several were involved in creating and circulating the content.
A Possible Family Dispute Angle
According to police sources, several people were questioned on Monday as part of the investigation, which is also examining a possible connection to a family dispute over a land-related disagreement. Some of the policewoman's relatives have reportedly come under suspicion, though police haven't confirmed any individual's involvement and continue examining all possible angles before reaching a conclusion.
Why Preserving Digital Evidence Matters
Cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said misusing a woman's photograph and contact details by circulating them alongside obscene material can amount to serious cyber harassment. He advised that victims in such situations should preserve screenshots, profile links, phone numbers, and messages before deleting or blocking the offending content, since this digital evidence can prove crucial in tracing the accused and supporting the investigation.
Police say efforts are underway to identify the person behind the fake profile and establish a motive, with the investigation continuing to focus on tracing the digital trail and determining who created and circulated the content. Once a suspect is identified, action will be taken under applicable law.
FAQs
Q1. How did the harassment against the policewoman begin?
She started receiving repeated obscene calls and WhatsApp messages while on duty on August 17, later discovering a fake Facebook profile had been created in her name using her photograph and mobile number.
Q2. When was the FIR registered, and under what laws?
On September 3, under relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Q3. What angle are police examining alongside the fake profile investigation?
A possible connection to a family land dispute, with some relatives reportedly under suspicion, though no individual's involvement has been confirmed.
Q4. What advice did the cybercrime expert give to victims of similar harassment?
To preserve screenshots, profile links, phone numbers, and messages as evidence before deleting or blocking the offending content, since this can be crucial for tracing the accused.