In a major crackdown, Delhi Police have arrested a 44-year-old woman and her associate for allegedly running a honey-trap and extortion racket in the national capital. The accused, a resident of Daryaganj, along with her accomplice Yashdev Singh Chauhan from New Usmanpur, was taken into custody following a complaint by a retired Army captain.

Honey-trap allegations and fake cases uncovered

According to the Hindustan Times, the woman first contacted the complainant through social media, offering professional help to promote his novels. She allegedly persuaded him to transfer money and later created disputes before filing a criminal case against him at the Mehrauli Police Station. The FIR, registered in 2021 under serious charges, was later quashed by the Supreme Court of India on February 25, 2025. The court observed that the case amounted to an abuse of the legal process. Following this, a fresh complaint led to the registration of an extortion case against the duo.

Nine FIRs, multiple victims and money settlements

During the investigation, the crime branch discovered that the woman had allegedly filed as many as nine FIRs across different police stations in Delhi. These included three cases involving rape allegations and six related to molestation and criminal intimidation. Police said several victims have come forward, describing a similar pattern. After filing cases, intermediaries were reportedly used to negotiate settlements in exchange for money. This alleged modus operandi points to a structured attempt to misuse legal provisions for financial gain. Chauhan, the co-accused, reportedly posed as a lawyer but was actually working as a clerk at the Karkardooma court for over a decade.

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Evidence seized, probe continues

Investigators have seized a pen drive containing audio recordings of settlement negotiations, along with a mobile phone carrying incriminating conversations. Voice samples of both accused have been collected and sent to the forensic science laboratory for examination.

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Police said further investigation is underway to identify additional victims and uncover the full extent of the alleged racket. The case has once again raised concerns over the misuse of legal processes and the need for safeguards against such exploitation.