In a shocking and deeply disturbing incident from Banaskantha district, Gujarat, a young college student’s life was turned into a nightmare by seven individuals who exploited her trust and subjected her to unimaginable trauma. This harrowing story is not just a crime against one individual but a stain on humanity that demands urgent attention and justice.
The Betrayal That Began on Instagram
The victim, a 20-year-old college student from Palanpur, was pursuing her education when she befriended one of the accused on Instagram in 2023. What started as an innocent connection soon spiraled into a horrifying ordeal. The accused, identified as Vishal Shamalbhai Bera, manipulated the young woman’s trust and lured her into a trap that would haunt her for months.
A Calculated Act of Deception
In November 2023, the accused invited the victim for breakfast at a local hotel under the guise of friendship. What followed was a premeditated act of cruelty. The accused deliberately spilled food on her clothes and offered to help her clean up in a hotel room. Once inside, he took advantage of the situation, recording a private video of her without her consent. This video became the weapon he used to blackmail and control her.
The Cycle of Blackmail and Abuse
The victim, terrified and vulnerable, was threatened with the release of the video on social media platforms, including Instagram. Under this constant threat, she was forced into physical relationships not only with Vishal but also with his six friends. This horrific cycle of abuse continued for 16 long months, from November 2023 to February 2025, leaving the victim emotionally and mentally shattered.
A Brave Step Toward Justice
After enduring months of torment, the victim finally found the courage to approach the Palanpur Taluka Police. She filed a formal complaint against six named individuals and one unidentified person. The police acted swiftly, registering an FIR under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for rape and criminal intimidation. Additionally, the accused were charged under Section 67 of the Information Technology Act for transmitting obscene material electronically.
The named accused include:
- Vishal Shamalbhai Bera
- Rahul Shamalbhai Fof
- Deepak Narsangbhai Fof
- Shubham Ghemarbhai Bhutdia
- Ashish Shamalbhai Fof
- Jigar Galbabhai Boka