Hyderabad: An 8th Battalion police constable died by suicide at his home after alleged loan app blackmail and threats involving morphed photographs. The incident occurred within the limits of Pahadishareef police station in Hyderabad. Police identified the deceased as Srinu.
According to the account provided, Srinu had developed a betting habit and borrowed money through several online loan applications. Although he repaid the borrowed amounts, the app operators allegedly continued to harass him. They demanded additional payments in the name of unauthorised charges and compound interest.
The harassment reportedly escalated when the operators sent him morphed nude images. They threatened to circulate the pictures among his relatives and friends unless he paid the demanded amount. The threats placed Srinu under severe mental distress.
Loan app blackmail involved threats to circulate morphed images
Srinu feared that the images would damage his reputation and affect his standing as a police employee. Unable to cope with the alleged blackmail, he died by suicide by hanging himself at home.
Pahadishareef police registered a case after receiving information about the incident and began an investigation. Investigators are examining the calls used to threaten Srinu and the related digital transactions.
Police are also working to identify the loan app operators and establish the network behind the alleged harassment. The investigation is continuing.