Man Lured via Gay Dating App and Extorted in India

A 44-year-old man in India was attacked and robbed. He was lured using a gay dating app. The man lives in the Surendranagar district in the state of Gujarat.

A gang of seven people made contact with the man online. They used the gay dating app to gain his trust. Then they arranged a meeting with him in person.

When the man arrived, the gang attacked him. They beat him and stripped off his clothes. The attackers took photos and videos of him without his consent.

The gang then threatened the man. They said they would share his nude photos and videos online. This is a common tactic used to blackmail LGBTQ+ people. It is called a 'honeytrap' scheme.

The man was forced to pay Rs 31,000. This is around £270 or approximately €315. He paid the money because he feared public exposure.

In India, being gay is still heavily stigmatised in many communities. LGBTQ+ people often face discrimination and violence. This makes them easy targets for blackmail and extortion.

Section 377, India's colonial-era anti-gay law, was struck down in 2018. However, legal protection for LGBTQ+ people remains limited. Same-sex relationships are still not legally recognised.

Police have confirmed the incident and are investigating. The seven suspects have been identified. It is not yet clear if arrests have been made.

LGBTQ+ rights groups in India say these attacks are not uncommon. Gay and bisexual men are often targeted through dating apps. Criminals know that victims may feel too ashamed to report the crime.

Experts urge LGBTQ+ people to stay safe online. They advise not sharing personal photos with strangers. Meeting someone new in a private or unknown location can be dangerous.

This case highlights the serious risks LGBTQ+ people face in India. It also shows the urgent need for stronger legal protections. Victims of these crimes deserve full support from authorities.