Man assaulted in gay dating app trap

In a shocking case of digital entrapment, a 31-year-old man from North Bengaluru was assaulted and robbed after being lured through a gay dating app. Initially hesitant to file a police complaint due to fear of social stigma, the victim eventually approached authorities on July 9, leading to the arrest of two suspects.

According to police, the victim had downloaded the app after exploring LGBTQ platforms online. He soon connected with an individual identifying as “Sufi,” who shared his face during a video call and asked for the victim’s number to continue chatting. They agreed to meet in Govindpura on July 5.

Sufi led the man to a shed near a paying guest facility in Vyalikaval Layout. Once inside, a second man appeared, claiming to own the shed. He accused the victim of engaging in illegal activity and seized his phone. A third individual then joined and assaulted the victim, while Sufi stood by, revealing the trap. The attackers demanded money through digital payments and threatened to kill the victim if he resisted. Under pressure, he transferred ₹1,000 and was coerced into calling friends to obtain another ₹2,260 before being released.

Following the complaint, Bengaluru police arrested 26-year-old Sufiyan alias Sufi and his 24-year-old accomplice Mateen. Investigations are ongoing, and officials have urged caution while engaging with strangers through online platforms, especially dating apps. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of LGBTQ individuals navigating digital spaces amid persistent social taboos.