A birthday celebration in Gorakhpur turned into a crime scene when a young Instagram influencer Anshika Singh, allegedly fired a gun in public, leaving one man critically injured. What initially appeared to be a heated argument soon unraveled into a disturbing story involving extortion, blackmail, stolen vehicles, and misuse of social media platforms.
Police investigations have since revealed a carefully constructed network of manipulation and intimidation, hidden behind viral reels and online popularity.
‘I Wanted to Earn Money Through Reels,’ Says Accused
During police interrogation, Anshika Singh reportedly admitted that her entry into social media content creation was driven by money and influence.
According to investigators, she told police that anyone who came close to her eventually got trapped in her web. With nearly seven lakh followers on Instagram, she used her online reach to build connections, gain trust, and later exploit victims financially.
Police officials stated that Anshika distanced herself from her family, chasing a lavish lifestyle funded through illegal means.
Birthday Celebration Turns Violent in Gorakhpur
Gunshot Fired During Argument
The incident occurred on January 20 near a model liquor shop in the Cantt area of Gorakhpur, where Anshika had gathered with friends to celebrate her birthday.
A dispute broke out between Anshika and Vishal Mishra, a manager at a private hospital. During the altercation, Anshika allegedly snatched a pistol. In the ensuing scuffle, a bullet was fired, hitting Amitabh Nishad, a friend of Vishal, in the abdomen.
The injured man was rushed to a nearby hospital and later referred to Gorakhpur Medical College, where he remains under treatment.
Extortion Allegations: Threats and Fake Cases
Hospital Manager’s Complaint
Vishal Mishra lodged a formal complaint, accusing Anshika and her associate Banti Verma of extortion.
He alleged that Anshika threatened him with a firearm and demanded money, warning that she would implicate him in a false rape case if he refused. Out of fear, he initially paid ₹12,000.
Days later, she allegedly demanded ₹50,000 more, threatening to kill his family if he failed to comply. Mishra arranged ₹20,000 and went to meet her, which eventually led to the shooting incident.
Blackmail Through Obscene Video Calls
Disturbing Revelations from Police Probe
SP City Abhinav Tyagi revealed that police recovered several obscene videos from Anshika’s mobile phone.
Investigations suggest she would lure individuals, initiate nude video calls, secretly record them, and later blackmail the victims for money. Shockingly, some of the victims reportedly included individuals in uniform and khaki-clad personnel.
Several objectionable photos and videos involving police personnel were also found during forensic analysis of her devices.
Police Officer Also Targeted
According to police records, on January 5, Anshika contacted a sub-inspector from GIDA police station through a messenger app.
She later obtained his phone number, initiated video calls, recorded compromising footage, and allegedly used it to extort money. Similar patterns were found in multiple cases under investigation in Sant Kabir Nagar and Gorakhpur.
Stolen Thar SUV and Fake Number Plate
Earlier Criminal Case Registered
Anshika’s criminal history includes a vehicle theft case registered on October 12, 2025, at Khorabar police station.
Police said Anshika and six associates had rented a Thar SUV for a Delhi trip but never returned it. To evade detection, they installed fake number plates and continued using the vehicle locally.
Two of her associates were arrested earlier in October in connection with the case.
700+ Video Under Scanner
Anshika’s Instagram account reportedly hosts more than 700 videos, many of which are now under scrutiny.
One controversial reel was filmed outside Sant Kabir Nagar Kotwali, near a police jeep, featuring an objectionable song. Police are examining whether the content violated cyber and public decency laws.
Accused Sent to Jail, Investigation Ongoing
Anshika and one of her associates have been sent to judicial custody. Police are questioning several others linked to the network.
Officials say more arrests and additional charges may follow as the investigation deepens into financial transactions, cybercrime, and organized extortion.