How to File FIR for Blackmail or Extortion ?

Crimes like blackmail and extortion are taken very seriously by law. If you are being threatened for money, photographs, videos, or any other kind of favour, you can seek legal assistance.

🔍 Stepwise Procedure to File FIR

• Collect evidence: Retain screenshots, messages, emails, call recordings, and anything else which proves that the threat was made.
• Go to your nearest police station: Go to the nearest police station (or cyber police station if it's online blackmail).
• Say your truth: Define clearly what the person is demanding and threatening and when it happened.
• Submit a written complaint: Prepare a written complaint with dates, times, details about yourself and signed by you.
• Request FIR copy (free): Once an FIR is registered, one can demand that a copy be given. Under Section 154 of the CrPC, it's your right.
• If police deny FIR registration:
  • Send your complaint to SP in writing/email
  • Use online police portal of your state
  • Or complain through https://cybercrime.gov.in (for online threats)

⚖️ Relevant Sections of Law

• Section 384 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS): Extortion
• Section 385 BNS: Putting a person in fear to commit extortion
• Section 503 BNS: Criminal intimidation
• IT Act, 2000 (if online): Section 66E, 67, etc.

📌 Examples

• A man threatens to leak your private photos unless you pay — This falls under cybercrime + extortion.
• Someone threatens you that he would harm your family unless you pay him some money — This is clear criminal intimidation + extortion.

Blackmail & Extortion – FAQs

1. Someone has threatened to leak my private photographs. What do I do?

Collect relevant evidence and immediately file a complaint with the police under the cybercrime and extortion acts.

2. Is blackmail a crime in India?

Yes, it is indeed an extremely serious criminal offence under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.

3. Can I register my complaint online if I incidentally found blackmail?

Yes, by going to www.cybercrime.gov.in and registering their complaint under "Women/Child Related Crime" or under "Financial Fraud".

4. What proof should I keep with the police?

WhatsApp chats, call recordings, screenshots, emails, images, video threats, etc. – everything is clear that there's blackmail/extortion.

5. What if I do not know who the blackmailer is?

Report it. Cyber police will trace the person using the phone number, IP address, etc.

6. Can police help even if the blackmailer is from another state?

Yes, because blackmail is a national offence. Transfer case or help from cyber cells.

7. What if police refusals of lodging FIR?

Complain to the SP about it or use the online FIR portal of state police or paid cybercrime.gov.in.

8. I made the first payment to the extortionist. Now they are demanding again. What do I do?

Stop paying more. File a complaint – blackmailers rarely stop until arrested.

9. Can I make an anonymous complaint?

Yes, but the police may keep your name secret in sensitive cases.

10. I need legal assistance but not at a high cost.

Yes, talk to State Legal Services Authority (SLSA) for free legal aid.

11. Is threatening to disclose an affair also blackmail?

Yes, it is blackmail if someone is demanding money or favours in exchange for silence.

12. After the FIR, how long should one wait for action to be taken?

Within a span of 1-2 days, action would usually commence in digital blackmail instances.

13. Can a girl blackmail a man?

Yes, it is equally possible for both genders to blackmail anyone – the law's safeguard is for everyone.

14. Are minors also booked under blackmail cases?

Yes, but they'll be tried under Juvenile Justice.

15. I was somehow convinced to share private videos. I can still file a complaint, right?

Yes, you are the victim, and the law shall shield you.

16. Is sextortion prevalent in India? (i.e., sexual blackmail online)

Yes, it is common through fake profiles and video calls. Keep reporting such cases to the police.

17. Shall I block the person and forget about it?

No, a safer option would be legally moving to avoid such an event recurring.

18. Isn't it blackmail if someone tries to force me to do something against my will?

Yes, blackmail is threatened with the desire to pursue an action.

19. Can I register my complaint if I am outside India but blackmail happens from India?

Yes, through the Indian embassy or cybercrime.gov.in.

20. What punishment does a blackmailer receive?

Imprisonment for 7 years or more and a fine and criminal liability under Sections 384-389 BNS.