Two women among 3 held for Rs 12 lakh sextortion

Rajkot: Three persons, including two women, were arrested for allegedly extorting a retired schoolteacher of Rs 12 lakh by blackmailing him with his sex videos and threatening to frame him in a rape case.On the victim's complaint, the A Division police arrested the alleged mastermind, Payal Patel, a resident of Gandhinagar, and her associates Nilesh Zunza (36) and Tejal Tindani (31).The teacher alleged that he was coerced into physical relations, videographed, and threatened for extortion.The teacher met Payal at a school function in Botad a year ago. She claimed to be involved in real estate. After receiving his retirement funds, he contacted her on Oct 31, 2025, to discuss a land purchase. He moved to Ahmedabad after retirement, and he, along with Payal, came to Rajkot in a car to examine the land parcel for sale. Another woman known to Payal also joined them in the car en route.The victim alleged he was taken to a hotel. Payal left the room, and the woman with them began undressing. Subsequently, another woman entered, demanding physical relations. When he refused, he was threatened with being framed in a Pocso case. He was then forced into physical relations and photographed with the unknown woman.He was taken to an isolated place, and the accused demanded Rs 40 lakh, which was later settled at Rs 12 lakh. "He transferred the amount to Payal's account, but they demanded more money with threats of a rape case," said ACP Bharat Basiya."Payal had a previous ‘honeytrap' case registered against her in Ankleshwar in 2025, and Tejal had a case in Rajkot for criminal conspiracy, death threats, and extortion. Zunza, involved in the driving business, allegedly arranged the women after being contacted by Payal," said Basiya.Inspector BV Borisagar of A Division police station said that the three accused, including the mastermind, will be presented in court on Friday with a request for a 7-day remand.