Fake Web Series Casting Scam: 18-Year-Old Actress Blackmailed, Four Arrested in Mumbai
Fake Web Series Casting Scam: 18-Year-Old Actress Blackmailed, Four Arrested in Mumbai
An 18-year-old actress seeking work in the film industry files police complaint after being threatened with release of morphed explicit photos unless she paid money.
An aspiring 18-year-old actress from Bihar, currently living in Andheri and pursuing engineering studies in Panvel, recently faced a horrifying experience while chasing her Bollywood dreams. What began as a supposed opportunity to work in a web series quickly spiraled into a case of blackmail and exploitation.
According to her statement to police, the actress was approached with an offer for a lead role in an upcoming web series. The accused allegedly took ₹10,000 from her for flight tickets and contract formalities. As part of the casting process, she was told that her co-star in the series, one Shivam Agarwal, would also be her on-screen partner. To build rapport for the role, she was advised to watch a film with him, with the claim that this would help their on-screen chemistry.
Trusting the offer, she agreed and went to the movie with Shivam, after which he dropped her back home. However, the situation quickly turned sinister.
Later that evening, she received a call from another man asking her to meet again. When she refused, the threats began. She was told that they had obscene photos of her, which would be leaked online if she didn’t comply. The group demanded ₹40,000 to prevent the release of the images. Shocked and terrified, the young actress immediately approached the police and filed a complaint.
The D.N. Nagar Police in Andheri launched a swift investigation and detained four individuals, including Bhavesh and Shivam Agarwal, in connection with the case. Police sources confirmed that the accused used the pretense of casting calls to trap women and later attempted to extort money from them through fabricated threats.
“She showed courage by coming forward,” a police official said, adding that a special team has been assigned to investigate the broader network behind such scams.
The case has raised renewed concern about the dangers faced by struggling artists, especially young women, in the entertainment industry. It also serves as a grim reminder of how easily predators exploit ambition and vulnerability in the name of opportunity.
The accused have been booked under relevant sections, and further investigations are ongoing. Police have urged other victims, if any, to come forward and assured strict action against such offenders.
