CHENNAI: The Greater Chennai Police’s Cybercrime Cell has arrested a 37-year-old man from Tiruchy, following a complaint by the US Consulate in the city regarding the cyberstalking and online harassment of a US woman citizen. The accused allegedly subjected the victim to threats, extortion demands, and obscene content via emails, X (formerly Twitter), and iMessage.
Acting on the complaint from the Consulate, a team led by Inspector A Menaga of the Central Crime Branch’s Delta-2 Cybercrime Police Station investigated the case and arrested Gift Jesubalan Selvanayagam. Authorities seized a Samsung Galaxy mobile phone, an Apple iPad Pro, and an HP laptop — devices reportedly used to carry out the harassment.
"The accused engaged in persistent online abuse, causing severe distress to the victim," said police officials. Selvanayagam was produced before the Metropolitan Magistrate Court in Saidapet and remanded in judicial custody at Puzhal Central Prison.
The commissioner of Greater Chennai Police emphasized the gravity of such offences, warning that cyberstalking and online harassment carry stringent penalties under Indian law. He urged victims to promptly report incidents via the national portal www.cybercrime.gov.in or contact their nearest Cybercrime Police Station for immediate action.