Honey Trap Cases Spark Panic in Rayalaseema
The rising number of such cases is leaving victims distressed and posing serious challenges for the police
KURNOOL: Even as the shock of a recent honey trap case in Anantapur continues, a fresh incident in Badvel has triggered panic across Rayalaseema. The rising number of such cases is leaving victims distressed and posing serious challenges for the police.
In the latest case reported on Thursday, a young woman from Badvel allegedly duped a software engineer of `81 lakh under the pretext of love. The accused, identified as Manasa, is said to have befriended the victim, Ashok, through Instagram in 2023 using a fake account in the name of “Poojitha”.
According to police sources, she gradually gained his trust and extorted large sums of money over time. When Ashok later demanded that part of the money be returned, she allegedly threatened to end her life. Realising he had been cheated, he approached the Badvel Urban Police with evidence.
“We have registered a cheating case and investigation is underway,” said Badvel Urban police officials. They added that Ramalinga Reddy, believed to be from the victim’s native village, is also under suspicion. “He is suspected to have helped the accused create the fake account,” police said.
In another incident reported on April 28, a young woman from Gooty allegedly trapped two youths from Palnadu district. She reportedly invited them to meet her in Gooty, while her relatives from Pattikonda in Kurnool district were already alerted.
At a toll gate near Kasepalli, the youths were allegedly threatened and robbed of gold ornaments and cash. The woman, however, claimed that the victims had been harassing her on Instagram. Fearing social stigma, the victims did not lodge a complaint. Though the matter came to the notice of the police, no case was registered.
Meanwhile, the Anantapur case saw delays in registration until a retired police officer intervened, after which disciplinary action was taken against police officials.
With such incidents on the rise, fear is growing among the public, especially among those active on social media. “Now, I am scared even to answer calls from unknown women,” said L. Kishore, a software engineer.
Police officials have urged the public to remain cautious. “People should be careful while interacting over phone or social media. If there is any suspicion, they should immediately approach the police,” said a Sub-Divisional Police Officer from Kadapa district.
