A man from Trichy has made headlines after being arrested by the cyber crime cell of the central crime branch (CCB), Greater Chennai Police, on charges of cyberstalking a US citizen. Gift Jesubalan Selvanayagam, 37, was taken into custody for harassing and threatening the victim by bombarding her inbox with obscene messages.
The incident unfolded after the US Consulate in Chennai received a formal complaint from the victim, prompting law enforcement to take action. It was revealed that Selvanayagam had initially befriended the US national on a social networking site over a year ago. The two maintained contact through emails and social media platforms, during which Selvanayagam clandestinely recorded the victim without her consent.
As time passed, Selvanayagam began sending explicit messages and images to the victim with the intention of extorting money from her. He also issued threats, claiming that he would upload the content on various social media platforms if his demands were not met. Despite the victim’s efforts to ignore his advances, the harassment persisted over several months, prompting her to seek help from authorities.
Upon receiving the complaint, inspector of police A Menaga from the Cyber Crime Police Station spearheaded an investigation, analyzing digital evidence that led to Selvanayagam’s arrest at his Trichy residence. Law enforcement officials seized multiple electronic devices, including a smartphone, laptop, and tablet, believed to have been used in the commission of the crime.
Following his apprehension, Selvanayagam was presented before the XI metropolitan magistrate court at Saidapet and subsequently remanded in judicial custody. He was later transferred to the central prison in Puzhal to await further legal proceedings. Chennai city commissioner of police A Arunit emphasized the severity of cyberstalking and online harassment, stressing that such offenses carry serious legal repercussions.
Arun encouraged victims of cybercrimes to promptly report incidents through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or reach out to the nearest cybercrime police station for assistance. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and prompt action in addressing cyber-related offenses that pose a threat to individuals’ safety and well-being.
Overall, the arrest of Selvanayagam highlights the authorities’ commitment to combating cybercrimes and ensuring the protection of individuals, both locally and internationally. By swiftly responding to complaints and launching investigations, law enforcement agencies play a crucial role in upholding justice and safeguarding the online community from malicious actors. This case underscores the significance of cybercrime awareness and the need for collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the public to address and prevent such incidents effectively.