In a dramatic end to a months-long manhunt, Gujarat Police have arrested Kirti Patel, a social media influencer with over 1.3 million Instagram followers, for allegedly honeytrapping and extorting a builder in Surat. Patel had been on the run for 10 months, evading arrest by frequently changing cities, SIM cards, and even IP addresses. The case dates back to June 2024, when an FIR was filed accusing Patel and four others of luring the builder into a compromising situation and then demanding ₹2 crore in exchange for not releasing damaging content. While her accomplices were arrested earlier, Patel managed to stay ahead of the law—until now. Authorities finally tracked her to the Sarkhej area of Ahmedabad, using cyber forensics and coordination with Instagram to pinpoint her location. Despite a court-issued warrant, Patel had continued posting on social media, even sharing birthday messages and videos from religious events. Deputy Commissioner of Police Alok Kumar confirmed that Patel is also facing multiple other complaints, including land grabbing, criminal intimidation, and attempted murder. She has been booked in several districts across Gujarat. The arrest has sparked conversations about the darker side of influencer culture, where fame and visibility can sometimes mask serious criminal behavior.
Fugitive Influencer Kirti Patel Nabbed After 10-Month Hunt in ₹2 Crore Honeytrap Case
