Booked a Maid Through an App, Ended Up in an Extortion Nightmare: App-Based Maid Arrested for Allegedly Filing False Rape Case, Seeking ₹5 Lakh

Police say an app-based domestic worker fabricated rape allegations against a customer and later demanded money to withdraw the complaint; investigation relied on CCTV footage, electronic evidence and recorded conversations.

By Vidhi Lalla 

A woman employed through the home services platform Snabbit has been arrested by the Delhi Police for allegedly filing a false rape complaint against a 56-year-old customer and attempting to extort money from his family.

According to police, the accused, identified as Pooja Giri, was assigned a house-cleaning job through the app at an apartment in Dwarka on June 30. After completing the cleaning work, she alleged that the customer had sexually assaulted her and called the police emergency helpline to register a complaint.

Based on the allegation, police initiated an investigation, recorded statements of those involved and examined CCTV footage, mobile phone records and other electronic evidence.

During the inquiry, investigators allegedly discovered that shortly after filing the complaint, the woman contacted the customer’s son and demanded ₹5 lakh, threatening that the rape case would continue if the family refused to pay.

Police said a meeting was later arranged between the accused and the customer’s son, during which she allegedly agreed to settle the matter for ₹2 lakh. Investigators claim the conversation, including the demand for money and the acceptance of the reduced amount, was secretly recorded by the customer’s son and shared with the police.

According to the police, the available evidence contradicted the allegations made by the woman. After the money exchange, officers arrested the accused and recovered the ₹2 lakh allegedly paid during the operation.

Based on the complaint filed by the customer, Delhi Police registered a case against the woman under Section 308 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) relating to extortion.

Reacting to the incident, Snabbit said it has fully cooperated with the investigation and provided all information sought by law enforcement agencies.

The company stated that both the customer’s account and the service provider’s account have been temporarily suspended while the investigation continues.

Snabbit further reiterated that it follows a zero-tolerance policy towards unlawful conduct by anyone using its platform and will continue assisting authorities as required.

What Is Section 308 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)?

Section 308 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita deals with the offence of extortion. It applies when a person intentionally puts another individual in fear of injury or harm to dishonestly obtain money, property or any valuable security. The offence carries legal penalties depending on the nature and circumstances of the case.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. Why was the domestic worker arrested?
Police alleged that she filed a false rape complaint and later demanded money from the customer’s family to withdraw the case.

Q. How much money was allegedly demanded?
According to police, the accused initially demanded ₹5 lakh and later agreed to accept ₹2 lakh.

Q. What evidence did police rely on?
The investigation included CCTV footage, mobile phone records, electronic evidence and an alleged recording of the extortion conversation.

Q. Has the rape allegation been judicially determined to be false?

No. Police have alleged that the complaint was fabricated based on their investigation. The matter remains subject to the legal process, and the allegations will ultimately be determined by the courts.

Disclaimer: This report is based on statements made by the Delhi Police and the parties concerned during an ongoing investigation. The allegations and charges are yet to be tested before a court of law, and all accused persons are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.