Delhi-based photographer impersonates film producer to exploit aspiring models
He was arrested by authorities once the producer lodged a complaint
A photographer from Delhi, India has been arrested for impersonating a prominent Punjabi film producer in order to exploit aspiring female models.
Obed Afridi, who is a resident of West Sant Nagar area of Delhi, had promised assignments in the name of a well-known Punjabi film producer, Gunbir Singh, who owns a film studio in the Punjabi entertainment industry.
Upon learning that his name was being misused, Singh filed a complaint with the police, according to a report by news magazine India Today's website.
Singh said that the accused was using two mobile numbers on WhatsApp in which aspiring female models were being promised assignments in his production company. Through the plan, Afridi was asking for semi-nude picture from the women, according to police.
"I am writing this to bring to your notice that my name is being misused by using different phone numbers. It has come to my knowledge that my identity is being used to call up girls from different phone numbers and address to exploit them by using my name. I am a leading film producer of the Punjabi film industry and the owner of the White Hill Studio and White Hill music banner," Singh was quoted as saying in his complaint.
"My name is being misused to mislead some girls and I am aware of the extent of damage that has already been done to my name and how far this will go if strict action is not taken against the accused," Singh added.
India Today reported that sources from police said that Afridi had signed contracts with at least 40 girls and had asked them to send their photos.
"The accused has been arrested and was produced in the court which remanded him to a day's police custody. The accused would call the girls and would ask them to share semi-nude photos. The investigation is on,” Station House Officer Lakhwinder Singh in the Indian state of Punjab’s Mohali city was quoted as saying.
None of the models lodged a complaint so far.
According to India Today, sources said that Afridi has worked as a fashion photographer.