Two Held For Assault, Blackmail Of Man After Connecting Via LGBTQ Dating App

By Prashant for PuneriPages.in

There’s something about the quiet excitement of meeting someone new. A spark in a conversation, a good laugh shared over text, and maybe—if things feel right—a plan to meet. For many in the LGBTQ+ community, dating apps are more than just digital tools. They’re lifelines to connection, freedom, and self-expression in a world that hasn’t always been kind.

But that’s what makes stories like the recent Pune case so heartbreaking.

A man connects with someone through a dating app. They chat. They agree to meet. And instead of a date, he’s met with violence, blackmail, and fear. The worst part? This wasn’t random. It was a setup—a planned trap targeting someone simply for being queer.

If you’re reading this, I want you to know: This guide isn’t here to scare you. It’s here to arm you—with knowledge, with strategies, and with the clarity that your safety, your truth, and your joy matter.

Let’s break this down together.

The Anatomy of a Trap (And How to See It Coming)

Here’s how these predators usually operate:

The Bait: A fake profile that looks friendly, even charming. Sometimes stolen pictures, sometimes stock images. They know how to say all the right things.
The Bond: They’ll build quick trust. Flirty messages. Sweet nothings. But there’s always a sense of urgency—”Let’s meet soon. Don’t overthink.”
The Lure: They’ll want to meet somewhere secluded. Or they’ll insist on coming over to your place. If you hesitate, they may guilt-trip you.
The Trap: You’re ambushed. A group appears. Violence or threat follows. They record, intimidate, and threaten to leak it all.
The Extortion: “Pay us or your secret is out.” And that’s where fear grips the throat. Because for many, the threat of being outed is scarier than the assault itself.

This is not a story from the past. It’s happening now. But knowing the pattern is the first step in breaking it.

Why They Think They’ll Get Away With It

They bank on one thing: shame.

They believe you won’t report. That you’ll be too scared. That the fear of your family, your workplace, your community finding out will keep you silent.

And you know what? They’re partly right—because society still hasn’t caught up with the law. Section 377 may be gone, but stigma is alive and kicking. That’s what they weaponize. That’s their biggest weapon. And we need to disarm it.

So Here’s Your Safety Toolkit

No judgment. Just real, practical advice. If you’re planning to meet someone from a dating app:

Video Call Before You Meet: It doesn’t have to be long. But it helps confirm you’re talking to who they claim to be.
Always Meet in Public (the first time): Cafes. Malls. Parks with people around. Never at home. Never in their car.
Tell Someone You Trust: Share your location. Set a check-in time. Even if it’s just a friend in another city.
Watch for Red Flags: If they push too hard to meet quickly or resist a video call—pause. Trust that inner whisper.
Back Out Without Guilt: You don’t owe anyone a meeting. If something feels off, leave. You’re not being rude. You’re being safe.

If Something Happens: What You Must Know

First, take a breath. What happened to you is not your fault.

Get to Safety Immediately: Go somewhere public. Call someone.
Don’t Pay the Blackmailers: It won’t end with one payment. They’ll keep coming.
Preserve the Evidence: Save chats. Screenshots. Photos. Everything.
Report It: I know this is hard. But the law is on your side. File a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930. You deserve justice.
Get Help: There are LGBTQ+ support groups, helplines, therapists who understand. You don’t have to go through it alone.

To Everyone Reading This

Maybe you’ve never faced something like this. Maybe you have. Maybe someone close to you has. But here’s the truth:

We’re not just writing about danger—we’re building a shield against it. We’re saying no to fear, to silence, to shame.

To the person in Pune who came forward: You’ve done more than report a crime. You’ve given the rest of us a warning, a wake-up call, and a reason to speak up.

And to every queer person navigating the dating world in India: You deserve safety. You deserve love. You deserve joy.

And no predator gets to take that away from you.

Stay safe. Stay proud. We’ve got each other’s backs.