How to File a Sextortion Complaint in India

How to File a Sextortion Complaint in India

A sextortion complaint should explain the incident clearly and chronologically. The complaint should identify the online platform, describe the threats and demands, and list the available digital evidence.

Step 1: Preserve evidence

Save screenshots, chat records, profile URLs, usernames, phone numbers, emails, payment information and relevant timestamps. Keep original files securely stored.

Step 2: Prepare the facts

Write down when the contact began, how the person obtained or claimed to possess the intimate material, what threats were made, what was demanded, whether any money or material was sent, and whether the offender contacted or threatened other people.

Step 3: Report through the Cyber Crime Portal

The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal is the Government of India’s online platform for reporting cybercrime. The portal provides options for complaints relating to women and children, financial fraud and other cybercrime, as well as complaint tracking. citeturn0search5turn0search3

For a report-and-track complaint, the portal states that complainants provide information such as contact details, incident details and supporting information. Accurate and complete information can assist law-enforcement authorities in assessing the complaint. citeturn0search3

Step 4: Consider a police complaint/FIR

Depending on the allegations, a police complaint or FIR may be appropriate. The applicable offences should be identified from the facts rather than relying on a generic list of sections.

Step 5: Secure your accounts

Change passwords, enable two-factor authentication and review active sessions and privacy settings. If an account has been compromised, report the compromise to the relevant platform.

Legal provisions that may be relevant

Section 308 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 concerns extortion. The Information Technology Act contains provisions including Sections 66E, 67 and 67A that may become relevant in certain privacy or electronic-content situations. citeturn0search0turn0search1

Legal assistance

SPG Legal Consultancy can help organise the facts, review digital evidence and prepare a structured sextortion complaint. Legal advice should be tailored to the individual incident.