India, July 28 -- What began as a seemingly promising date for a Bengaluru-based techie turned into a harrowing extortion ordeal, revealing a well-orchestrated criminal racket operating through dating apps.

According to a report by NDTV, the man had matched with a woman named Sangeetha on Bumble and spent several weeks exchanging casual texts and video calls. After a month of online interaction, the two decided to meet at a coffee shop in the city. What followed initially felt like a natural progression, Sangeetha suggested they get a room to relax and have a few drinks.

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However, the situation took a dark turn.

As the two were sitting a...