The arrest of Anshika Singh, also known as Antima, in a recent shooting incident has exposed what investigators believe is a well-organized blackmail network that operated for nearly five years. Police officials say the mobile phone recovered after the incident has become the most crucial piece of evidence, revealing disturbing details about how dozens of people were allegedly trapped, threatened, and extorted.
According to preliminary findings, Anshika allegedly targeted not only ordinary citizens but also senior police personnel. Investigators claim that around 165 individuals fell victim to her tactics, including at least 15 police officers such as sub-inspectors and a Circle Officer posted in Ayodhya. The scale of the alleged operation has shocked both law enforcement agencies and the public.
Police sources reveal that Anshika followed a consistent method. She would first contact people through social media messenger platforms, gradually gaining their trust. Once communication was established, she allegedly initiated video calls and secretly recorded them. These recordings were later used as tools for blackmail. Victims were threatened with false cases related to rape, sexual assault, or the POCSO Act, leaving many with little option but to comply.
Fear of legal trouble and social stigma reportedly forced several victims to pay large sums of money or hand over valuables. In one case, a city-based police officer allegedly agreed to a compromise after hours of negotiations and handed over a heavy gold chain to avoid further escalation. Senior officials later became aware of some of these incidents, leading to internal inquiries and action against a few officers.
The investigation has also revealed that between 2021 and 2025, Anshika filed multiple serious criminal cases across Sant Kabir Nagar and Gorakhpur districts. Police believe many of these cases followed a similar pattern—registration of an FIR, mounting pressure, and eventual monetary settlement. One of the earliest cases dates back to 2021 at Harpur Budhat police station, where the accused later reportedly paid lakhs of rupees to settle the matter.
A particularly controversial episode involved a landlord in Sant Kabir Nagar where Anshika had been living on rent. Complaints about frequent late-night visitors prompted the landlord to install CCTV cameras in the house. Shortly afterward, she vacated the premises. Within days, the landlord found himself facing serious charges, including rape and assault. Unable to meet a demand of ₹2 lakh for a compromise, he was sent to jail. Records indicate that after his release, another case was filed against him, further intensifying the dispute.
Investigators have also taken note of Anshika’s social media presence, where she had shared photos and videos with politicians and police officers. Officials believe these connections may have helped her build influence and exert pressure during disputes. All such links are now under scrutiny as part of a broader reinvestigation.
Following her arrest in the shooting case, police have confirmed that all past cases linked to Anshika Singh will be reviewed afresh. Digital evidence recovered from her phone, including chats, videos, and call records, is expected to play a decisive role in determining the truth behind previous allegations. Authorities say strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty, whether involved in extortion or negligence.
The case has once again raised serious questions about the misuse of laws, the role of digital platforms in crime, and the vulnerabilities within the system. As the investigation progresses, officials believe more revelations may emerge, potentially exposing a much wider network and prompting significant legal consequences in the days ahead.