A Blackmail case with alleged Police Involvement was always bigger than one FIR: HC takes Suo Moto Cognisance and Orders IG Investigation into Honey Trap Racket

Recently, the Allahabad High Court, taking suo motu cognisance, directed the Inspector General of Police, Meerut Zone, to investigate an alleged honey-trap and extortion racket, flagging serious concerns over organised blackmail operations. The order signals judicial alarm over the misuse of coercion and deceit, particularly where law enforcement complicity is alleged.

The case emerged from a quashing petition filed by a woman and four others accused of luring a man to a hotel in Bijnor, recording intimate acts without consent, and subsequently demanding Rs.10 lakh by threatening to release the video. The allegations further suggested involvement of two police personnel, who allegedly confronted the victim with the footage and pressured him for payment. The complainant refused and approached authorities, triggering legal proceedings. During the hearing, what began as an individual criminal dispute escalated into a larger concern for the Court, which noted the possibility of an organised pattern of such offences operating in the region.

A bench of Justice JJ Munir and Justice Tarun Saxena expressed grave concern over the nature of the allegations, observing that such activities reflect a “pernicious state of affairs in society”. The Court warned that unchecked continuation of such crimes would erode public safety and dignity. Treating the issue as one requiring systemic attention, the bench directed the Inspector General of Police to conduct a thorough probe and ensure heightened vigilance across districts in the Meerut Zone.

Directions were also issued to communicate the order to senior state authorities, including the Director General of Police and the Home Department.