Hyderabad Cybercrime Police arrested a 30-year-old software employee for allegedly creating a fake Instagram account and posting defamatory, abusive, and sexually explicit comments about a woman. The arrest sheds light on the serious issue of online harassment and defamation in the digital age.
The accused, a resident of Kachiguda, targeted a politically exposed woman in Hyderabad. V Aravind Babu, Deputy Commissioner of Police for Cyber Crimes in Hyderabad City, confirmed the operation. In October 2025, the suspect allegedly posted objectionable comments on a video featuring the woman that was originally uploaded by the “Pura Local” Instagram channel. Subsequently, the video circulated widely on various social media platforms.
Upon receiving a complaint from the victim, police registered a case under Sections 66(D) and 67 of the Information Technology Act, along with Sections 79 and 238 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The investigation revealed that the accused used the fake account to conceal his identity while distributing offensive content aimed at defaming and harassing the victim.
Police officers seized one mobile phone from the suspect, which they believe contains crucial evidence supporting the allegations. This incident emphasizes the critical need for heightened vigilance against online defamation and harassment.
Authorities urge individuals to adopt precautionary measures on social media. They advise users to take screenshots of abusive profiles and comments, including timestamps, before blocking or reporting such accounts. The stored information serves as valuable evidence in proving malintent.
The cybercrime unit further warned citizens to verify unknown social media accounts before engaging with them. Sharing or commenting on unverified or inflammatory content can exacerbate online harassment issues.
As online platforms continue to grow, the challenge of cyber defamation and harassment becomes more significant. Hyderabad’s police department demonstrates a commitment to tackling these issues head-on.
