Mumbai Model Arrested for Defaming Australian National on Social Media

Mumbai — A 25-year-old model, recently seen in a Hindi film, was arrested by the Cyber Crime Cell (CCC) for allegedly defaming a 27-year-old Australian national of Kashmiri origin on social media.

The Backstory

According to police, the incident stemmed from jealousy and personal rivalry. The model, Shrishti Gupta, reportedly suspected that the complainant’s US-based love interest was her former boyfriend. A resident of Goregaon, Gupta was apprehended on Wednesday, confirmed DCP (Cyber Crime) M. Rajkumar.

The Australian national, who filed a complaint on January 27, stated that Gupta was unhappy that her former boyfriend was receiving messages from her distant US-based relative, a pilot. Out of concern, the complainant stopped messaging the relative, but after the couple broke up, they grew closer — a development that allegedly angered Gupta.

The Alleged Cyber Attack

Following the growing tension, Gupta is accused of posting highly objectionable content on the complainant’s Facebook wall. Shortly after, friends of the complainant noticed obscene images and material appearing on her Instagram account. Disturbed by the harassment, the complainant reported the matter to the CCC and provided printouts of the offensive posts and images.

A detailed investigation, including analysis of the Internet Protocol (IP) address, led authorities to Gupta. Police revealed that she had created a fake Instagram account in the complainant’s name using her cellphone and uploaded obscene content.

Legal Action

Inspector Kalpana Gadekar, in charge of the Cyber Police Station, said Gupta was booked under sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act for defamation, impersonation, and obscenity. She was presented before the court on Wednesday and has been released on bail.

Sub-inspector Sadhana Belgaonkar, part of the investigation team, emphasized the wider lesson: “People must refrain from uploading objectionable or obscene material online in any form, as it constitutes a criminal offense. Social media is not a free-for-all; actions have legal consequences.”

A Reminder for Social Media Users

This incident highlights the personal and legal risks of using social media as a tool for harassment or revenge. Experts urge users to report abusive content promptly, protect their accounts, and remember that online actions are traceable and punishable under law.