A 24-year-old engineering graduate from Odisha has gone missing in Bengaluru after a possible case linked to online extortion threats, police said on Tuesday.
According to police, Chinmay Prasad Sahu, who had recently moved to the city with his girlfriend in search of work, disappeared earlier this month under unclear circumstances.
Sahu had been receiving threatening messages from unknown individuals who allegedly claimed to possess private photographs of him, police said. The senders reportedly shared some of those images and demanded money, warning that additional material would be circulated on social media if their demands were not met.
Investigators believe the threats may have caused distress in the days leading up to his disappearance.
On April 15, Sahu left his residence, telling his girlfriend he was stepping out to dispose of garbage, but did not return. She later approached the police to file a complaint.
A missing person case was registered on April 17 at Hulimavu Police Station.
Officers say they are examining multiple possibilities, including whether Sahu may have been abducted or chose to leave due to the mental strain caused by the alleged harassment.
Police have begun analysing Sahu’s call records, financial transactions and digital activity to trace the origin of the messages.
Cybercrime specialists have also been brought in to assist in identifying those behind the suspected extortion attempt.
Authorities are also reviewing CCTV footage from the neighbourhood and questioning acquaintances to reconstruct his movements before he went missing.
Inspector Kumara Swamy, who is leading the investigation, urged the public to exercise caution in sharing personal information online and to report threats promptly.
