Dating App Scandal in Lucknow: Railway Aspirant Drugged, Assaulted, and Extorted

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A gang is suspected of targeting individuals from outside the city through dating applications, leading to an alleged incident involving a railway examination candidate in Lucknow.

Incident Overview

Law enforcement officials in Bazaar Khala have apprehended eight individuals linked to a case involving a railway examination candidate in Lucknow. The group is accused of luring a young man with promises of affordable lodging through the Grindr dating app.

Victim’s Story

The victim, Sudhakar Pal, 29, from Saryan village in Mau district, arrived at Aishbagh railway station via the Kaifiyat Express on August 10. He was reportedly seeking temporary accommodation near the station when he engaged with an individual through the Grindr dating app. This person allegedly arranged a meeting at Charbagh railway station, where additional suspects joined.

The group allegedly transported the victim to a remote area under the pretense of securing housing. They reportedly threatened him with allegations of sharing explicit content on the dating platform, escalating to physical violence and coercion. The accused are said to have administered a substance mixed into water, causing the victim to lose consciousness.

Suspects and Arrests

The arrested individuals include Raj, Nikhil Rawat, Abhijeet Rajput, Raj Rajput, Meraj Ahmed, Aditya Verma, Dhirendra Pratap Singh (also known as Dheeraj Singh), and Nisar Ahmed. Police identified Dhirendra Pratap Singh as the group’s leader.

Police Actions and Investigation

Investigators recovered a scooter, two motorcycles, and a mobile phone linked to the crime. Digital evidence and financial records are being analyzed to trace the gang’s activities and identify potential additional victims.

Public Advice and Safety Measures

Authorities advise against downloading unverified applications or sharing sensitive information with unknown contacts. Public meetings with online acquaintances are recommended, with a trusted individual informed of the arrangement. Victims facing blackmail or extortion are urged to preserve digital evidence and report incidents to law enforcement rather than comply with demands.