Social media manager booked for harassing woman for 5 years, extorting over Rs 22 lakh

The accused – Timoti John Fernandes – knew the complainant since 2018. The 32-year-old, a resident of Andheri East, allegedly gained the complainant’s trust and said he would become her manager. He also said he would also handle her social media accounts.

Fernandes, according to the woman, was attracted to her and was jealous of her boyfriend. “From the fake Instagram account, he sent a purported video of the complainant kissing her boyfriend to the woman and her relatives. He also threatened to share widely other private videos and pictures while demanding money,” said an official.

The complainant also alleged the accused stalked her, sent objectionable messages, and tried to peek into the bathroom when she was using it. He also threatened to commit suicide and blame her for the death.

Fernandes has been booked under sections 406 (criminal breach of trust), 354C (voyeurism), 354D (stalking), 384 (extortion), 506 (criminal intimidation), 509 (outraging the modesty of a woman by words, signs, or gestures) of the Indian Penal Code, and 67A (publishing or transmitting in electronic form any material which contains sexually explicit acts) and 66E (intentionally or knowingly capturing, publishing, or transmitting the image of a private area of any person without his or her consent, under circumstances violating the privacy of that person) of the Information Technology Act.

Police are identifying witnesses who could help them verify the complainant’s allegations and assist investigators in collecting evidence.