Gwalior jail chief faces blackmail threat:₹5 lakh extortion demand made using WhatsApp messages and alleged jail videos

A sensational blackmail case has surfaced in Gwalior, where the Superintendent of Gwalior Central Jail, Vidit Sarvaiya, allegedly received extortion threats linked to purported video clips from inside the prison. According to the complaint, an unidentified individual sent WhatsApp messages and video clips to the jail superintendent, demanding a large sum of money. The sender allegedly used a raised-hand emoji to indicate a demand of around ₹5 lakh or another substantial amount. The incident reportedly occurred between June 7 and June 13. The jail superintendent first informed his senior officials before filing a formal complaint with the police. Videos allegedly shared on social media after demand was ignored When the superintendent did not comply with the alleged demands, the suspect reportedly circulated several video clips on social media. The videos allegedly show items such as bidis, vegetables and fruits being sold inside the jail at prices ranging from 20 to 50 times their normal market value. Following the complaint, Gwalior police seized messages and videos stored on a pen drive and launched an investigation. Officials suspect that a suspended prison guard and a former inmate may have been involved in the alleged conspiracy. Blackmailer claimed to possess sensitive jail footage According to the complaint, the matter began around 12:40 PM on June 7, when the superintendent received calls and WhatsApp messages from an unknown mobile number. The caller allegedly claimed to possess several sensitive videos recorded inside the jail and sent four clips as proof. The messages reportedly threatened that unless money was paid by the following day, the videos would be forwarded to senior authorities. Superintendent allegedly asked to bring cash to rest house When the superintendent suggested discussing the matter inside the jail premises, the caller allegedly refused and instead instructed him to come to a rest house on Gandhi Road. When asked via WhatsApp what amount was expected, the sender reportedly replied with a raised-hand emoji, which investigators believe symbolized a demand for approximately ₹5 lakh or another large payment. Suspicion falls on suspended guard and former inmate The jail superintendent has stated that the case may not be an ordinary cyber extortion attempt but could be linked to internal rivalries and personal grudges within the prison system. Based on a confidential internal inquiry, the written complaint reportedly identifies a suspended jail guard named Pawan and former inmate Rishpal Singh as persons whose possible involvement should be investigated. Police verifying authenticity of the videos Authorities have said it is not yet clear whether the circulated videos were actually recorded inside Gwalior Central Jail or at another correctional facility. The available clips also do not contain any clear timestamps. The complainant has handed over all available evidence—including WhatsApp messages, call logs and video files—to the police on a pen drive for forensic examination. Jail Superintendent says, ‘I received threatening messages’ According to Jail Superintendent Vidit Sarvaiya, he received the videos and threatening WhatsApp messages from an unknown number on June 7. According to him, the messages referred to the ongoing transfer season and warned that he would not be able to escape consequences. The sender later attempted to arrange a meeting and allegedly tried to extort money. He confirmed that the matter has been reported to both senior authorities and the police. Police place mobile number under surveillance Bahodapur Police Station in-charge Alok Parihar said the police have received a written complaint from the Gwalior Central Jail superintendent regarding the alleged blackmail attempt. He added that an investigation is underway and that the mobile number used by the suspected blackmailer has been placed under surveillance as authorities work to identify those responsible.