Sextortion, an Extortion

In the last few years, I got to read about Sextortion racket in India, now and then. In this neo sextortion, the victims are men. If I have to break down the modus operandi of how this racket functions then it follows these stages, befriend a man on social media through fake accounts, lure them, sex chat, ask for nudes or have video sex, take screenshots or record their session, after few days or at the worst, after few hours, blackmail those gullible men to pay some stated amount or threaten to leak those pictures or videos online. 

These victims range from college students to married men. Some men are brave enough to file an FIR under the subject of blackmailing or extortion, no matter what the outcome may be. But some men, whose reputations are at stake refrain from taking up procedures established by law, and instead end up paying the sextortion amount. 

I don't want to be direct in my judgement. But Nagaland too is not immune from the menace of sextortion. I respect those brave men who were victims of this criminal activity but came forward with legal complaints against those predators.

I want to end this post by saying, we live in a world where the internet related crime is increasing. That is why, our state like any other state of this country needs a robust Cyber Cell to enhance cyber security and trace the criminals behind all those cybercrimes. Get the IP address of these bastards! 

The Year 2022 For Me

The year started with a bit of confusion, caution and concern. I wondered whether Covid 19 will be deadly as it was in 2021. As the days progressed, I lost my Grandma on the second last day of January. Took time to heal and carry on with my life and the home chores. 

I went to Delhi, met some old friends, it was good catching up. But the biggest event of this year was FIFA World Cup. It was a saving grace. I am a fan of Lionel Messi. I always prayed to God to make Argentina win the Cup under the Captainship of Messi, before he retires. On the Final day, the same emotion which enveloped me on the WC Final of 2014 came back with a bang. However, this time, I knew, I wasn't going to cry. And even if I cried, it would be out of happiness, say, tears of happiness. God was kind.

By the way, the middle finger of my right hand is injured. What a way to begin the new year. Anyway, I hope 2023, will be a blessed one. God be merciful!

World Suicide Prevention Day

The World Suicide Prevention Day was observed on 10th September, this year. Growing up, I had so many misconceptions about suicide. When I was young, I was told and I heard from others, it's the deed of Satan, only cowards commit suicide, only crazy people commit suicide, only losers commit suicide.

Now that I am older, I am aware of some of the factors which makes someone take such drastic step. Depression, substance abuse, hormonal reasons, post-traumatic stress disorders and several others.

There are so many stigmas attached around suicide, no wonder there are families who try to hide such incidents (suicide attempts) or cover up suicide deaths. I remember an old story, a family declared their daughter's death as a case of cardiac arrest although she never had a history of heart problems, no postmortem was done, even though some of the mourners suggested, adding more to their misery, gossip mills spread the news that a suicide note was found near her bed. Whatever, the case was, I hope the family and her soul are at peace now. 

Our Naga society needs sensitization on matters concerning prevention of suicide and the stigmas around it. The importance of counselling for the families who lost their loved ones due to suicide should be part of the awareness. 

At the end of the day, considering help, asking for help, seeking help, taking help regarding one's mental, emotional, physical needs should not be considered as a matter of weakness but rather a part of wellbeing. 

You Are Loved.