Ria Ramita Chandra and Pravinesh Shiva Sharma have been denied bail by the Suva Magistrate Court, facing serious charges connected to alleged sextortion. The couple has been remanded in custody due to the nature of the accusations brought against them.
During the court proceedings, Magistrate Sufia Hamza noted the gravity of the charges as a key factor in the decision to deny bail. The police prosecutor highlighted that, if convicted, the couple could face sizable fines amounting to $50,000.
The case stems from an incident reported to the Online Safety Commission on June 30, where the victim claimed that the couple was demanding money to prevent the release of an explicit video they had obtained of him. The coercion allegedly involved threats to publicize the video unless the victim paid for their rent. The threats escalated, leading to the victim sending more than $1,800 as the couple continued to press their demands.
Chandra and Sharma are charged with multiple counts, including Trafficking of Obscene Publication, Posting an Intimate Visual Recording without consent, and Computer-related Extortion under various laws including the Cybercrime Act and the Online Safety Act. The couple’s case has been adjourned to July 25 for further proceedings.
This ongoing case reflects a concerning trend involving digital safety and the severe consequences associated with sextortion. Recent legal actions against similar offenses, such as the case involving another individual charged for distributing explicit content without consent, highlight the commitment of law enforcement to combat such violations.
As society becomes increasingly aware of these issues, there is hope that enhanced legal frameworks and community education will develop, providing better protection for potential victims and fostering a safer online environment for all.
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