In a recent development, a man identified as Pankaj Ravindra Vishwakarma, residing on Veer Savarkar Road in Virar east, has been apprehended by the authorities. He stands accused of making lewd video calls to more than 200 women across the country. Vishwakarma, who works as a prop artist in Film City, now finds himself facing serious charges brought against him by the Mira-Bhayander-Vasai-Virar crime branch. The arrest transpired on a Monday night, prompted by a tip-off from the cybercrime unit of the Giridih police station in Jharkhand.
The incident that led to Vishwakarma’s arrest began when the Giridih police received a complaint from a woman who had been subject to a series of distressing WhatsApp calls. The woman, understandably shaken by the experience, reported that an unidentified man had been contacting her via WhatsApp, engaging in inappropriate and obscene behavior.
The Giridih police, determined to bring the offender to justice, embarked on a mission to trace the origins of these disturbing calls. Their diligent work led them to a connection in Virar, eventually passing on all the necessary information to the crime branch officers in Mumbai.
Senior police inspector Pramod Badakh, who played a pivotal role in the case, stated that they promptly proceeded to the address provided by the Giridih police. However, their initial visit did not yield the desired outcome, as the accused was nowhere to be found at his residence. Unfazed, the officers pressed on, seeking assistance from local shopkeepers and garage employees who were familiar with the area.
With the guidance of these community members, the police were able to track down Vishwakarma’s residence. It was here that they took him into custody for questioning.
Upon interrogation, Vishwakarma admitted to the heinous acts that had caused distress to over 200 women across India. He disclosed that his method involved randomly generating ten-digit numbers using the mobile app ‘Truecaller.’ If the number belonged to a woman, he would save it and subsequently initiate WhatsApp video calls, during which he would appear naked.
Adding to his confession, Vishwakarma revealed that he had recently purchased a new smartphone specifically for these disturbing activities. Over the course of the preceding two months, he had called at least 200 women and subjected them to inappropriate behavior.
As a result of his actions, Pankaj Ravindra Vishwakarma has been booked under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including sections 354(a), 354(d), and 506, as well as section 67(a) of the Information Technology Act. These charges reflect the gravity of his misconduct and the impact it had on his victims.
After Vishwakarma’s arrest, the crime branch officers reached out to the Giridih police with the intention of transferring him into their custody. However, before doing so, they issued a notice to Vishwakarma, requesting his presence at the police station for further questioning.
The arrest of Pankaj Ravindra Vishwakarma serves as a stark reminder of the importance of cybersecurity and the need to protect individuals, especially women, from online harassment and predatory behavior. Authorities continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those who engage in such despicable activities are held accountable for their actions.
The case also highlights the significance of community cooperation, as local shopkeepers and garage employees played a crucial role in aiding the police in locating the suspect. In these trying times, it’s evident that communities must work together to ensure the safety and security of their residents.
As this case unfolds, it sends a clear message that society will not tolerate individuals who exploit technology to perpetrate harm and create fear among their fellow citizens. The hope is that through this arrest, others with similar intentions will think twice before engaging in such reprehensible actions, ultimately making the digital world a safer place for everyone, free from threats and harassment.
