Influencer Kirti Patel Arrested in ₹2 Crore Extortion Honey-Trap Case

Social media influencer Kirti Patel, also known as Kirti Adalja, was arrested in Ahmedabad on June 19, 2025, for her alleged involvement in a ₹2 crore extortion case involving a Surat-based builder. Patel, who commands a following of over one million on Instagram, had been evading arrest for nearly a year. The case, filed at Kapodara police station in June 2024, accused her and six others of luring the builder into a compromising situation and then demanding a hefty ransom.

Police investigations revealed that after the builder refused to pay the ransom, Patel used her social media platforms to allegedly defame and threaten him. Despite multiple FIRs already registered against her—including for attempted murder, criminal intimidation, land grabbing, and wildlife violations—she continued her online presence. Her digital activity eventually helped cybercrime officials trace her location.

Throughout the past year, Patel reportedly changed her location, mobile phones, and SIM cards several times to avoid arrest. She was finally tracked down and apprehended near the Sarkhej area of Ahmedabad through a joint operation between Surat and Ahmedabad police, aided by cyber teams and social media data analysis.

Authorities have described Patel as a “history-sheeter” with at least ten prior cases against her. Her latest arrest has drawn significant media attention due to the sensational nature of the case and her large online following. Police are continuing their investigation into possible links to other extortion and land-grabbing cases, and she is expected to be questioned further.

The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the misuse of social media influence and the growing number of cyber extortion cases targeting businessmen and public figures.