Stalking And Persistent Harassment In Digital Platforms
1. Case: Cyberstalking of a Young Woman in Delhi
Facts:
A young professional in Delhi began receiving threatening messages and repeated unsolicited contact via Instagram and WhatsApp from an acquaintance.
The perpetrator tracked her online activity and repeatedly sent abusive and threatening messages.
Modus Operandi:
Created multiple fake social media profiles to continue harassment after being blocked.
Threatened to expose private information online if she didn’t respond.
Outcome:
Victim filed a complaint under Sections 354D (stalking), 507 (criminal intimidation), and 66A of IT Act (for electronic communication).
Police arrested the accused, and the court issued a restraining order prohibiting any contact.
Legal Implication:
Highlights that repeated digital harassment constitutes stalking.
Indian IT Act and IPC Section 354D provide protection against online harassment.
2. Case: Persistent Harassment on Twitter Targeting a Journalist
Facts:
A journalist based in Mumbai received repeated abusive tweets, threats of physical harm, and public shaming from a group of online users over six months.
Attempts to block accounts were circumvented by new fake profiles.
Modus Operandi:
Mass tagging and mentions to amplify harassment publicly.
Doxxing attempts to reveal personal addresses and contact numbers.
Outcome:
The journalist filed a complaint under IPC Sections 354D, 503 (criminal intimidation), and IT Act Sections 66C and 66D (identity theft and phishing threats).
Cybercrime unit traced IP addresses; several individuals were arrested.
Legal Implication:
Shows coordinated harassment can constitute criminal intimidation.
Highlights the challenges of persistent harassment despite blocking and reporting.
3. Case: Workplace Cyberstalking of a Female Employee in Bengaluru
Facts:
A female employee reported that a colleague was sending unwanted messages on LinkedIn, email, and internal chat platforms.
The stalker monitored her online activity and sent threatening messages after she refused personal advances.
Modus Operandi:
Used internal workplace communication systems and external social media.
Created fake email accounts to circumvent blocks.
Outcome:
Internal HR investigation and cybercrime complaint led to suspension of the accused.
FIR registered under IPC Sections 354D (stalking), 507 (criminal intimidation), and 509 (word, gesture, or act intended to insult).
Legal Implication:
Demonstrates that workplace harassment extends to digital platforms.
Reinforces need for employers to have anti-harassment and reporting protocols.
4. Case: Cyberstalking of an Expat in India
Facts:
A European expatriate living in India faced repeated online harassment from a former acquaintance.
The perpetrator used Facebook Messenger and Instagram to send abusive messages and made false allegations publicly.
Modus Operandi:
Created multiple fake profiles to continue harassment after being blocked.
Threatened to share private photographs online.
Outcome:
Expat lodged a complaint with local police under IPC Sections 354D and 507 and IT Act Section 66E (privacy violation).
Police investigation led to arrest; the accused was charged and restricted from contacting the victim.
Legal Implication:
Highlights vulnerability of expatriates to cyber harassment.
Shows how multiple legal provisions can be invoked for stalking, intimidation, and privacy breaches.
5. Case: Persistent Harassment of a College Student via WhatsApp
Facts:
A college student in Hyderabad received hundreds of messages daily on WhatsApp from a former friend after rejecting advances.
The stalker threatened her family and falsely accused her of misconduct online.
Modus Operandi:
Repeated messaging, use of threats, and spreading false information on social media.
Attempted to damage victim’s reputation and reputation of her family.
Outcome:
Complaint filed under IPC Sections 354D, 507, 509, and IT Act Section 66E.
Police arrested the perpetrator and obtained a restraining order.
Legal Implication:
Reinforces that harassment, threats, and repeated unwanted contact online constitute stalking.
Legal recourse includes restraining orders and criminal prosecution.
6. Case: Celebrity Cyberstalking Case in Mumbai
Facts:
A Bollywood actress was repeatedly stalked on Instagram and Twitter by an obsessive fan who sent threats and posted defamatory messages.
He also attempted to hack her email accounts to access personal information.
Modus Operandi:
Social media stalking, repeated tagging, threats, and hacking attempts.
Created fan pages to track and manipulate the victim online.
Outcome:
FIR registered under IPC Sections 354D, 507, and 509, along with IT Act Sections 66C, 66D, and 66E.
Cybercrime unit traced the IP and arrested the stalker.
Legal Implication:
Even high-profile individuals are at risk of persistent harassment.
Highlights combined use of IPC and IT Act for cyberstalking, hacking, and privacy invasion.
Patterns Observed Across Cases
Modus Operandi:
Multiple fake profiles, repeated messages, threats, doxxing, hacking attempts.
Often escalates if blocked or reported.
Victim Profile:
Women, professionals, journalists, students, expatriates, and celebrities.
Legal Framework (India):
IPC Section 354D: Stalking.
IPC Section 507: Criminal intimidation.
IPC Section 509: Insulting modesty.
IT Act Sections 66C–66E: Privacy violation, identity theft, and unauthorized access.
Outcomes:
Arrests, restraining orders, criminal prosecution.
Need for cybercrime units for investigation and IP tracing.
Preventive Measures:
Report/block stalkers immediately.
Preserve evidence (screenshots, messages).
Use privacy settings and two-factor authentication.
Legal action through cybercrime cells.
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