The Allahabad High Court has refused bail to a Uttar Pradesh man accused of hacking a girl’s phone to extort money with explicit images, while ordering local health officials to conduct a comprehensive assessment of his mental state.
Details of Court Order and Mental Health Evaluation
Presiding over the matter, Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal ruled against releasing the accused, Rahul Kumar Saroj, after reviewing explicit messages and social media posts submitted into evidence. Observing that the nature and language of the online communications suggested the applicant was not of sound mind, the judge directed the Chief Medical Officer of Kaushambi district to carry out a formal psychological examination. The court specified that the medical findings must be placed on record with the relevant district court.
Allegations of Phone Hacking and Extortion
The legal proceedings stem from a case registered at the Manjhanpur police station in Kaushambi district. Saroj was arrested following a complaint alleging that he unlawfully accessed the victim’s mobile device to obtain explicit photos and videos. According to statements given by the victim to law enforcement and a magistrate, the accused subsequently threatened to publish the sensitive content online and demanded Rs 5 lakh through Instagram posts and direct messages.
Saroj faces charges under several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Sections 3 and 4 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, and Section 66E of the Information Technology Act.
Arguments Presented by Defense and Prosecution
During the hearing, legal counsel representing Saroj argued that his client had been in a personal relationship with the victim and claimed he was falsely accused after declining to marry her.
State prosecutors opposed the bail application by submitting records of messages Saroj allegedly sent to the victim and her family members, along with photos uploaded to public online platforms. Citing the seriousness of the digital evidence and the messages presented, Justice Deshwal issued the order denying bail on July 17.
