Ria Ramita Chandra and Pravinesh Shiva Sharma have been denied bail by the Suva Magistrate Court due to serious charges connected to alleged sextortion. The couple remains in custody as they face multiple counts, including Traffic in Obscene Publication, Posting an Intimate Visual Recording without consent, and Computer-related Extortion under various acts including the Crime Act and the Cybercrime Act.
During today’s court proceedings, Magistrate Sufia Hamza stated the gravity of the charges as a significant factor in the decision to deny bail. The prosecution highlighted that if convicted, the couple could face substantial fines amounting to $50,000.
The case began when the victim reported to the Online Safety Commission on June 30, claiming that Chandra and Sharma threatened to release explicit footage of him unless he paid for their rent. It is alleged that he sent over $1,800 in several transactions under pressure from the couple’s threats.
Their arrest followed an investigation by the Online Safety Commission, which successfully located the couple and transferred them to Totogo Police for further inquiry. The matter has been adjourned to July 25 for the next court appearance.
This case underscores the pressing issues surrounding digital safety and the severe consequences of sextortion. Similar recent cases, such as the one involving Swastika Payal Chand, also reflect the increasing legal actions against offenses related to the distribution of intimate materials without consent. Such instances serve to promote awareness about online safety and the legal repercussions tied to violations of individuals’ privacy rights.
As communities begin to recognize these challenges, there is hope that legal measures will evolve to protect potential victims effectively and foster a safer digital environment.
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