Police probe into alleged misuse of photograph to create fake Instagram account
Aligarh police have registered an FIR following a complaint that a young woman’s photograph was used without permission to create a fake Instagram profile and a connected group where obscene material was circulated, authorities said on Saturday. The incident was reported from the Delhi Gate area and investigators have begun collecting digital evidence, the complaint and police records show.
According to the complaint, the account created in the woman’s name was used to form a group in which 242 people were added. The woman alleged that obscene photographs and videos were being shared in that group and that one member, identified as her maternal cousin Kalu, was sending objectionable material.
- Location: Delhi Gate area, Aligarh
- Alleged perpetrators named in complaint: maternal aunt Preeti and maternal cousin Kalu (resident of village Soi, Pahasu area, Bulandshahr)
- Group membership: 242 persons added to the fake-account group
- Key action so far: FIR registered; police examining account, group members and devices
The woman said she had earlier had a family dispute with her maternal aunt over a domestic matter. She alleged that, following that disagreement, her aunt conspired with the cousin to create the fake social-media profile using her photograph.
She complained that her photograph was used without permission and that obscene material was circulated under her identity.
As per the complaint, on August 12 the woman learned of the activity and contacted the cousin through her genuine Instagram account asking him to stop. She alleged that despite that, the cousin continued sending obscene photographs and videos and also sent such content directly to her.
Acting on the complaint, police registered a case under relevant provisions and have started an investigation. Investigators are examining the fake Instagram account and the group created through it, identifying the members added to the group and collecting digital evidence linked to the alleged circulation of objectionable material. Police said they are also trying to establish which device and method were used to create the fake profile and who sent the content.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Reported location | Delhi Gate, Aligarh |
| People added to group | 242 |
| Date woman confronted accused | 12 August |
The complaint names the maternal aunt as Preeti and the cousin as Kalu, who is said to reside in village Soi in the Pahasu area of Bulandshahr. Police records reviewed for this report show the matter is being pursued under cyber-related and other relevant sections; formal charges will depend on the outcome of the digital forensics and further enquiries.
Cyber impersonation and the unauthorised use of personal images carry legal consequences under Indian law. For local residents, this case highlights both the risks of identity misuse on social media and the importance of early reporting. Investigations in such matters typically involve cooperation with platform providers to trace account creation details and the devices used to operate them.
Officers in Aligarh said they are analysing the account metadata, the membership list of the group and any linked phone numbers or devices. The probe will also seek to establish the flow of content and whether other persons are involved in creating or distributing the material.
The matter remains under investigation and police did not disclose further operational details pending completion of digital examinations and formal charge-sheet preparations.
Residents are advised to report instances of online impersonation and the circulation of obscene content to the local police cyber cell and to preserve screenshots, messages and other digital traces that can assist investigators.
