Tushar Bisht, a 23-year-old graduate with a penchant for luxury and a glamorous lifestyle, was a familiar face at high-end parties and discotheques in Delhi. However, his modest income was insufficient to sustain his extravagant ways. To finance his lavish desires, Bisht turned to a life of deceit and crime.
Bisht allegedly created fake profiles on dating and social media platforms, where he posed as a US-based model and befriended over 700 women aged 18 to 30. Using this fake persona, he blackmailed many of them by threatening to expose their private photos and videos, extorting money in the process, police said.
Arrest and Modus Operandi
Bisht’s criminal activities came to an end last week when the Delhi police arrested him following a complaint lodged by one of his victims. “His actions were driven by greed and a desire for romantic interactions with young women,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Vichitra Veer.
According to the police, Bisht created fake accounts on platforms such as Bumble, Snapchat, and WhatsApp, using photos and videos of a “Brazilian model with a chiseled physique.” He posed as an American freelance model visiting Delhi for business purposes.
In reality, Bisht was a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) graduate who had been working as a technical recruiter for a Noida-based private firm over the past three years.
A Family Background Contrasting His Actions
Bisht comes from a humble background. His father works as a private driver, his mother is a homemaker, and his sister holds a position with a multinational company in Gurgaon, police sources revealed.
How He Targeted Victims
Bisht used his fake profiles to connect with women in the age range of 18 to 30. He sent them friend requests, and once accepted, he initiated conversations to gain their trust. “He would build rapport with his victims and convince them to share private and intimate photos or videos,” said DCP Veer.
After obtaining this sensitive content, Bisht resorted to blackmail, threatening to leak the material online or sell it on the dark web unless the victims paid him money. Most of his victims, fearing the consequences, complied with his demands, officers said.
Evidence and Victims
Preliminary investigations have uncovered Bisht’s interactions with over 500 women on Bumble and another 200 through Snapchat and WhatsApp. His mobile phone contains incriminating evidence, including private images, videos, and transaction records involving his victims.
The police have also seized 13 credit cards linked to various banks. Two of Bisht’s bank accounts have been identified, with one showing multiple transactions from alleged victims. Details of the second account are still under investigation.
The Case That Led to His Downfall
The matter came to light on December 13 when a second-year Delhi University student filed a complaint with the cyber police station. She reported that she had connected with Bisht on Bumble earlier in the year. Posing as a US-based model, he engaged her in frequent conversations, earning her trust over time.
Bisht then persuaded the victim to share private photos and videos on Snapchat and WhatsApp. However, he always found excuses to avoid meeting her in person. The situation took a darker turn when he sent her one of the private videos she had shared and demanded money.
Feeling pressured, the student made several small payments, citing financial difficulties. However, Bisht’s relentless demands eventually drove her to inform her family, who supported her in filing a police complaint.
Arrest and Confession
Following the complaint, an FIR was registered, and a special police team identified Bisht as the perpetrator. He was tracked to Shakarpur in East Delhi, where a raid led to his arrest.
During interrogation, Bisht admitted to using a virtual international mobile number obtained through an app to register on dating platforms. Initially, he created fake profiles for amusement but later turned to extortion for financial gain.
“He confessed to possessing private content of numerous women and blackmailing many for money,” said an officer. The investigation has uncovered Bisht’s chats with over 60 women from Delhi and its surrounding areas.
Conclusion
Bisht’s arrest has highlighted the dangers of online interactions and the need for caution while sharing private information on digital platforms. Authorities continue to investigate the extent of his crimes and are urging any other victims to come forward.
