MAWKYRWAT/SHILLONG, June 25: Two months after a young woman from Mawkyrwat village in South West Khasi Hills district died by suicide on April 19, 2026, the Mawkyrwat Police have arrested a 22-year-old man from Gujarat for allegedly blackmailing her by threatening to circulate her private photographs and videos on WhatsApp and Instagram.
The accused, identified as Sachin Nishad, a resident of Ambedkar Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, and working in Surat, Gujarat, was arrested at around 2:30 PM on June 23 in Surat. A team from South West Khasi Hills District Police, led by Investigating Officer Inspector J.B. Lakiang, with assistance from Palsana Police Station and Surat authorities, traced and nabbed him.
South West Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police B. Jyrwa said the arrest followed a written FIR lodged by the victim’s sister, Balapynhun Nongrum. The case was registered at Mawkyrwat Women Police Station under Sections 77, 79, 351(3), and 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), read with Sections 66E and 67A of the IT Act.
During interrogation, Nishad reportedly admitted to blackmailing the deceased woman. His mobile phone was seized as evidence. He was produced before the court in Surat on transit remand and will be brought to Meghalaya.
The district police appealed to the public, especially young people and victims of online harassment, sextortion, or cyber blackmail involving private content, not to suffer in silence or take extreme steps.
They urged immediate reporting for prompt action, counselling, and legal support. Victims can contact Emergency Police Assistance at 112, Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930, Women Helpline at 181, District Police Control Room at 84158-86486, or District Mental Health Helpline at 96128-89267. They can also report cases through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at www.cybercrime.gov.in or call the Mental Care Helpline at 14410.
