The digital world changes and it changes fast, gone are the days when the world was a big place, it is a global village now. The world is fast shrinking and social networking sites have helped in connecting people. These are not without risks though, there have been countless instances where people have become victims of fraud and malpractices after believing a little too much on online friendships. Dating apps have further elevated the dangers associated with online dating as they have made it easier for criminals to go behind a screen and carry out their vile activities. Tinder is one of the most successful dating apps in the world today, it has also claimed its fair share of users in India. Members of both sexes today use Tinder and other dating apps to meet new people, have fun and of course for dating. The notion that Tinder or any other online dating site can have scammers and criminals rarely crosses the minds of the youngsters though. The case of murder of a boy named Dushyant Sharma by his Tinder match Priya Seth is a classic example of the dangers involved with online dating apps.
Dushyant Sharma met a girl named Priya Seth on Tinder. What Dushyant did not know was that Priya Seth was a chronic fraudster and had been booked for criminal offences numerous times in the past. Priya Seth invited Dushyant for a meet, just like any other dates on Tinder there was no courting period involved. Priya Seth had formed a plan to kidnap Dushyant and extort ransom from him, there was definitely no love involved in her intentions. Dushyant fell into the trap of Priya and had to lose his life when Priya Seth along with her accomplices stabbed Dushyant in the room where he was being held for ransom. Dushyant’s family had gotten ransom calls and the police finally tracked down Priya with her boyfriend and a friend who had participated in the kidnapping and murder of the boy.
This incident shows how unsafe a harmless looking online date might turn out to be. It is very easy to fake one’s identity in the digital world and people do it often to stay popular. On the other hand these sites and apps like Tinder provide the same opportunities to criminals too who misuse it to fulfill their evil intentions. Users should be aware of the risks associated with online dating apps and websites, if one has to go on a date it is usually better to be safe. At least some information regarding the person and the location where one is about to meet him/her must be passed on to someone in the friend circle. Also, excessive drinking should be avoided and it is strongly advisable to keep the first couple of dates in public places where there are lots of other people. This applies to both the girls and the boys who take the help of apps like Tinder to extend their social circle. It is after all always better to take precautions for safety prior than to repent later.
Look at how coolly Priya Seth narrates how she hooked up with Dushyant, abducted him, demanded extortion money and hacked him into pieces!
This documentary was made by Deepika Bhardwaj. She is an independent journalist and has campaigned fearlessly against gender biased laws in India and impact of their misuse on people.