Maharashtra Cyber and NGO stop 62 young women from dying by suicide after sextortion, online harassment traps threaten to upend lives
Most distress calls come from tier-2 cities. Representation pic/istock
In a remarkable intervention, the Maharashtra Cyber Department has saved the lives of 62 young women who were on the verge of suicide after facing online harassment, sextortion, and cyberbullying. A majority of these women had reached out to the helpline run by Brush of Hope, an NGO that works in collaboration with Maharashtra Cyber. Through the helpline, several victims were identified, counselled, and rescued before they could harm themselves. Officials said some victims had even posted distress messages or farewell notes on social media before they were traced and helped in time.
One such case involved a 19-year-old student from Mumbai who had recently moved to the city for her studies. She fell victim to a digital extortion trap after booking a scooter ride from Andheri to Matunga through an app. The driver allegedly cancelled the ride without informing her but still picked her up.
When they reached Matunga, she attempted to pay him. The driver handed her a QR code, claiming it was for payment. After she scanned it, her WhatsApp data was allegedly accessed, even though the payment did not go through. The driver then pressured her to transfer money directly to his number.
Through the helpline, several victims were identified, counselled, and rescued before they could harm themselves. Representation pic/istock
Later, he began threatening her, claiming he had access to her private photos and chats. One of his associates then contacted her, pretending to help “delete the data” but demanding sexual favours in return. Terrified and hopeless, the young woman began contemplating suicide.
Moments before taking any drastic step, she came across the Maharashtra Cyber-Brush of Hope helpline. She immediately contacted counsellor Prasad Argade, who calmed her, reassured her, and helped her lodge an official complaint at Matunga police station. Just to let you know, the accused was identified, and action was initiated.
According to Brush of Hope, most victims are between 16 and 26 years old, including students and young professionals. Several parents have also reached out to the helpline seeking urgent intervention for their daughters. Each case is handled as an emergency, with counsellors and police officers coordinating to ensure immediate safety.
Additional Director General of Police, Maharashtra Cyber, Yashasvi Yadav, confirmed that all 62 young women had attempted suicide or expressed suicidal intent after severe online harassment. “They were being blackmailed and mentally tortured online,” he said.
A Maharashtra Cyber official added, “Along with counselling support, we also monitor social media using advanced tools that flag posts indicating distress or suicidal thoughts. We reached out to several individuals this way and prevented tragedies.”
Most victims from tier-2 cities
According to Bhavesh Chaudhari, operations head at Brush of Hope, most distress calls come from tier-2 cities. While Mumbai reports the highest numbers, calls have also come from Govandi, Malad, Buldhana, Pune, Thane, and Mira Road. The helpline is now receiving calls from outside Maharashtra, including Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chhattisgarh.
Grooming tactics
Dr Sheetal Gagrani, co-founder of Brush of Hope, said, “Accused individuals present themselves exactly as victims want to see, supportive, understanding, and caring. They earn victims’ trust, emotional dependence, and then exploit them.
Statistics from Brush of Hope (March 7, 2025 onwards)
>> Over 3800 distress calls received
>> Average of 17 calls per day
>> 51 critical cases resolved through counselling alone
>> 21 active cases under continuous support
>> 2 FIRs facilitated
>> 11 cases escalated to Maharashtra Cyber for urgent police intervention
Expert view
Dr Naazneen Ladak, a practising psychiatrist, said, “Cyberbullying often affects youngsters because they can be easily influenced. It happens more frequently to those who are emotionally unregulated or lack family support. Cybercriminals initially offer these individuals attention and understanding, then gradually begin to micromanage and control them. Once victims get hooked on that attention, their impulsiveness makes them more vulnerable to giving in. If you find yourself in such a situation, reach out to a psychiatrist or psychologist and report the incident immediately, because the same offender may target others, too. If the victim is a minor, doctors are legally required to report the matter.”
“Reporting the crime also helps you feel in control of your situation and reduces any guilt or shame you may be experiencing. Sometimes therapy isn’t just about talking, it’s about giving you the courage to take action,” she added.
Suicide helplines
Samaritans Mumbai (Monday to Friday from 10 am to 4 pm)
8422984527
Connecting NGO (From 10 am to 8 pm)
9922004305/ 9922001122
Snehi (From 10 am to 10 pm)
9376804102
1 Life
7893078930
Aasra
9820466726
022-65366666
Helpline no of Brush of Hope
16-26 yrs
Age group to which most victims belong
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