Gwalior honey trap linked to Indore:’Hello’ on Facebook leads to blackmail; businessman robbed of jewellery worth ₹12 lakh

The honey-trap gang that allegedly looted gold worth Rs 12 lakh from an auto parts businessman from Rajasthan has now been linked to Indore. The businessman had first befriended a woman from Indore on Facebook, who later shared the mobile number of Reeta, the alleged mastermind of the Gwalior-based honey-trap gang. Police said the gang, comprising two women and two men, targeted businessmen through Facebook. They would begin with a simple “hello” message, gradually build conversations, and eventually move to adult chats. Once the target was fully trapped, he would be called to meet at a flat in Gandhi Nagar, where the gang would begin blackmailing and rob the victim of cash and jewellery. On March 5, the gang allegedly honey-trapped and robbed the Rajasthan businessman. Acting on his complaint, police arrested all four accused the next day, Friday, and their interrogation is currently underway. During the investigation, police found several traders’ phone numbers in the mobile phone of the gang’s mastermind, Reeta. One trader admitted that he had faced a similar incident but refused to lodge a complaint. Victims targeted through Facebook friendships How was a Kota businessman trapped? Police began investigating when an auto parts businessman from Kota, Rajasthan, reported being robbed of jewelry at gunpoint near the Padav police station in Gwalior. CCTV footage later revealed that it was actually a honey-trap case. The businessman, Bharat Bhutani, had come to Gwalior to play the role of Kevat in the Ramlila of the Jhang community. Rita and Nidhi called him to a flat in the posh Gandhi Nagar colony. They took him to the bedroom and spent some time with him. Meanwhile, the women’s male accomplices entered the room, accused him of rape, and looted jewelry worth about Rs 12 lakh. Initially, the businessman told police that he had been robbed at gunpoint. After investigation, police arrested Rita, her husband Rajendra, son-in-law Vishal, and daughter Nidhi. Around 8 tola of gold jewelry looted from the businessman, including a gold chain, bracelet, and three rings, was recovered from them. Indore connection revealed Police said that Rita Arya had planned the robbery at her house. The businessman was introduced to her by Neha, a woman from Indore. The businessman had come in contact with Neha through Facebook while in Rajasthan. This has revealed that the honey-trap gang’s network extends to Indore. Businessmen’s numbers found in phones When police checked the mobile phones of the women in the gang, they found contact numbers of many people from Gwalior and other cities, including several businessmen. Police suspect that more people may have been defrauded. In October 2025, a businessman in Gwalior was also honey-trapped. He had visited the women’s flat, where he was robbed of a gold chain and bracelet. When contacted by police, he admitted being a victim but refused to file a complaint. Previous rape case also under scrutiny A few years ago, Nidhi had filed a rape complaint against a young man at Janakganj police station. Later, she settled with him. Police are now gathering information about that case as well, suspecting it may also be linked to honey-trap activities. Gang built house with extorted money After interrogation, Padav police produced the accused in court, from where they were sent to jail. The main mastermind is a woman, and her daughter, son-in-law, and husband are all involved in the gang. Police believe the gang has been operating for several years and has trapped many victims. Using the money extorted through honey traps, the gang even built a luxurious house in the Kanchmil area of Gwalior. Many victims have remained silent due to fear of defamation. Flat had secret entry passage The flat where the gang trapped businessmen had two access routes. One door opened toward the front, while another door connected to the room through the kitchen. Using this passage, the woman’s husband and son-in-law would suddenly enter the room and threaten the victim.