Bhubaneswar, Oct 31: In a shocking incident, a minor schoolgirl was allegedly blackmailed using AI-generated obscene photographs, leading to the theft of gold ornaments worth around Rs 6 lakh in Bhubaneswar.

The incident took place in the Airfield police station area. Following a complaint by the girl's family, police have registered a case and launched an investigation.

According to reports, the 14-year-old girl lives with her family in the Kapilaprasad area and studies in Class IX at a private school. A local youth, identified as Shubham Mahapatra, allegedly used to follow and harass her while she travelled to and from school. However, the girl did not initially inform her family about the harassment.

In January 2026, the accused allegedly obtained her mobile phone number and started sending her various messages. One day, while she was returning home from school, he stopped her and showed her obscene photographs featuring her. The girl was unaware that the images had been digitally manipulated using artificial intelligence (AI).

Frightened by the photographs, she asked him to delete them, but he allegedly refused. Two days later, the accused reportedly called her and demanded money, promising to delete the pictures in return.

When the girl expressed her inability to arrange money, he allegedly demanded gold ornaments instead. Fearing social embarrassment, the minor initially handed over a gold ring without informing her family.

After receiving the ring, the accused reportedly remained silent for a few days before resuming the blackmail. On multiple occasions, he allegedly collected a total of four gold rings and a pair of gold earrings from her.

The girl's mother was bedridden due to illness and remained unaware of the incident.

A few days ago, the accused allegedly demanded more gold ornaments. When the girl expressed her inability to fulfil the demand, he asked her to send some of her nude photographs. However, she refused to comply.

Meanwhile, the girl's father discovered that the gold ornaments were missing while checking the family almirah. Upon being questioned, the girl narrated the entire incident to him.

The father subsequently contacted the accused and demanded the return of the stolen ornaments. However, Shubham allegedly abused him over the phone and refused to return the jewellery. He also reportedly sent AI-generated obscene photographs of the girl to her father.

Following this, the girl's father lodged a complaint at the Airfield police station.

Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation. According to police, the accused has been identified, and a minor student has also been found to be involved in the incident. Further action will be taken in accordance with the law, police said.