Delhi Bartender Arrested for Cyberstalking, Defamation of Former Colleague
New Delhi, India – A 27-year-old bartender in Delhi has been apprehended by authorities for allegedly orchestrating a targeted cyberstalking campaign against his former colleague, a waitress at the same restaurant. The accused, identified as Divanshu, is accused of creating a fake social media profile using morphed, obscene images of the victim and publicly posting her contact information. This act has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the escalating problem of online harassment and revenge porn.
The incident unfolded following the deterioration of a personal relationship between Divanshu and the victim. After their friendship ended and Divanshu was subsequently fired from his job in December 2024, he allegedly sought revenge by resorting to cyberstalking. He created a fictitious social media account in the victim’s name, using it as a platform to post doctored, explicit images of her alongside her phone number. This malicious act caused significant distress to the victim, severely violating her privacy and exposing her to potential harassment.
The victim filed a formal complaint with the Cyber Police Station of the Outer District on March 11, 2025, detailing the online harassment she had endured. Following the registration of a case under the Information Technology Act, law enforcement officials initiated an investigation. Utilizing digital forensic techniques, including IP address tracking, call detail record analysis, and digital surveillance, investigators successfully traced the online activity back to Divanshu.
A subsequent raid at Divanshu’s residence resulted in his arrest and the seizure of the electronic device allegedly used to manipulate the images and operate the fake social media account. During interrogation, the accused confessed to the crime, admitting to his actions motivated by revenge. He exploited his knowledge of the victim’s personal life, gained during their brief friendship, to inflict maximum damage and humiliation. The case highlights the potential dangers of sharing personal information, particularly in the context of volatile relationships.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the growing menace of cybercrime, particularly targeting women. The ease with which technology can be misused to harass, defame, and intimidate individuals necessitates robust legal frameworks and proactive law enforcement. The Delhi Police have been actively campaigning to raise awareness about cyber safety and preventative measures.
The Delhi Police have issued a set of guidelines to help individuals protect themselves from online harassment and privacy violations: These precautions include blocking suspicious profiles, restricting personal information visible in online searches, logging out of accounts after each session, refraining from sharing social media credentials, exercising caution when accepting friend requests, avoiding suspicious links, and maximizing privacy settings on social media platforms. The police emphasized the importance of being mindful of the cumulative information shared online, as seemingly innocuous details can be pieced together to construct a comprehensive profile that can be exploited by malicious actors. The investigation into this case is ongoing, and authorities are committed to ensuring that the perpetrator faces the full consequences of his actions. This incident underscores the urgent need for continued efforts to combat cybercrime and create a safer online environment for all. The Delhi Police continue to encourage victims of cyberstalking and online harassment to come forward and report these crimes, assuring them of a thorough and sensitive investigation. This incident serves as a cautionary tale about the potential repercussions of online interactions and the importance of maintaining vigilance in the digital realm. Furthermore, it highlights the need for ongoing dialogue and education regarding responsible online behavior and respect for individual privacy.
