A dating app meetup in Gurgaon reportedly turned into a terrifying kidnapping and extortion case after a 22-year-old man was allegedly lured through Grindr and attacked by a gang in Manesar. Police said they are now preparing to issue a notice to the app after uncovering what appears to be a growing pattern of gangs using dating platforms to target and extort users.
According to police, the incident took place late on Monday night in Kasan, Manesar, when the victim went out to meet a person he had connected with on the app.
Victim Allegedly Kidnapped After Dating App Meetup
Police said the victim had been chatting casually with a person on Grindr before being invited for a late-night meeting around 12.15am. However, shortly after stepping outside his residence in Kasan, he was allegedly intercepted by four men travelling in a white Swift car.
The accused reportedly forced the man into the vehicle and drove him to an isolated area near the Kasan hills.
Speaking about the incident, a police officer said, “They beat him up, threatened to kill him and demanded Rs 50,000. The assailants then took his phone, obtained the password, and transferred Rs 2,500 through a QR code before the victim managed to escape.”
The report was highlighted by The Times of India.
Police Say Similar Crimes Linked To Dating Apps Increasing
Investigators believe the case reflects a larger pattern of crimes involving fake profiles and targeted extortion through dating and social networking apps.
Police said many victims often avoid reporting such incidents due to fear of social judgement or exposure.
“The accused often threaten to expose the victims to their families to extort money. Because of the social stigma surrounding sexual orientation, many young people become easy targets. In many cases, the victims are youngsters living alone in the city,” an officer told TOI.
Authorities said the four accused are allegedly habitual drug users who targeted victims to fund their addiction.
Four Accused Arrested Within Hours
Following the complaint, a case was registered at IMT Manesar police station and a crime branch team quickly launched an investigation.
Police tracked down the accused identified as Ashish (19), Naresh Kumar (21), Shivam (19) and Aashu (25). The suspects are reportedly from Bhiwani and Charkhi Dadri in Haryana.
Three of the accused were arrested from IMT Manesar on May 5, while the fourth suspect was caught the following day from Bhangrola.
Investigators said the gang had used a rented car from Dadri during the alleged kidnapping. Police also found that the transferred money had been routed to Naresh Kumar’s bank account.
According to investigators, Naresh works as a Rapido rider in Gurgaon, while Aashu reportedly runs a grocery shop in a village near Manesar.
Police Investigating Possible Wider Gang Network
Police suspect the accused may have been involved in other similar incidents and further questioning is expected during remand proceedings.
Officials are now examining whether the gang used fake identities on dating apps to trap multiple victims across Gurgaon and nearby areas.
The accused are expected to be produced before a court as police continue their investigation.
Gurgaon Police Warn Dating App Users
Following the incident, police urged users of dating and social networking apps to remain cautious while meeting strangers.
Authorities advised people to verify identities carefully, avoid isolated meeting spots and inform trusted friends or family members before meeting someone for the first time.
According to police, the incident took place late on Monday night in Kasan, Manesar, when the victim went out to meet a person he had connected with on the app.
Victim Allegedly Kidnapped After Dating App Meetup
Police said the victim had been chatting casually with a person on Grindr before being invited for a late-night meeting around 12.15am. However, shortly after stepping outside his residence in Kasan, he was allegedly intercepted by four men travelling in a white Swift car.The accused reportedly forced the man into the vehicle and drove him to an isolated area near the Kasan hills.
Speaking about the incident, a police officer said, “They beat him up, threatened to kill him and demanded Rs 50,000. The assailants then took his phone, obtained the password, and transferred Rs 2,500 through a QR code before the victim managed to escape.”
The report was highlighted by The Times of India.
Police Say Similar Crimes Linked To Dating Apps Increasing
Investigators believe the case reflects a larger pattern of crimes involving fake profiles and targeted extortion through dating and social networking apps.Police said many victims often avoid reporting such incidents due to fear of social judgement or exposure.
“The accused often threaten to expose the victims to their families to extort money. Because of the social stigma surrounding sexual orientation, many young people become easy targets. In many cases, the victims are youngsters living alone in the city,” an officer told TOI.
Authorities said the four accused are allegedly habitual drug users who targeted victims to fund their addiction.
Four Accused Arrested Within Hours
Following the complaint, a case was registered at IMT Manesar police station and a crime branch team quickly launched an investigation.Police tracked down the accused identified as Ashish (19), Naresh Kumar (21), Shivam (19) and Aashu (25). The suspects are reportedly from Bhiwani and Charkhi Dadri in Haryana.
Three of the accused were arrested from IMT Manesar on May 5, while the fourth suspect was caught the following day from Bhangrola.
Investigators said the gang had used a rented car from Dadri during the alleged kidnapping. Police also found that the transferred money had been routed to Naresh Kumar’s bank account.
According to investigators, Naresh works as a Rapido rider in Gurgaon, while Aashu reportedly runs a grocery shop in a village near Manesar.
Police Investigating Possible Wider Gang Network
Police suspect the accused may have been involved in other similar incidents and further questioning is expected during remand proceedings.Officials are now examining whether the gang used fake identities on dating apps to trap multiple victims across Gurgaon and nearby areas.
The accused are expected to be produced before a court as police continue their investigation.
Gurgaon Police Warn Dating App Users
Following the incident, police urged users of dating and social networking apps to remain cautious while meeting strangers.Authorities advised people to verify identities carefully, avoid isolated meeting spots and inform trusted friends or family members before meeting someone for the first time.
