A sensational crime story has emerged from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, following the arrest of Anshika Singh, also known as Antima, who allegedly opened fire during a birthday celebration and was later found to be linked to a wide-ranging blackmail and extortion racket. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening in the Singhadia area, where Anshika was celebrating her birthday on a public street with friends. An argument reportedly broke out with another group, during which she allegedly pulled out a pistol. Amid the chaos, a bullet struck the driver of a young man present at the scene, leaving him seriously injured and currently undergoing treatment at AIIMS.

After Anshika was taken into custody, investigators claim a much darker picture began to surface. According to police sources, she is an Instagram influencer with around 75,000 followers and allegedly used social media to trap people. The investigation suggests that she would initiate obscene video calls, secretly record them, and later use the footage to blackmail victims. Initial findings indicate that over the past five years, she may have targeted nearly 150 individuals, including law enforcement personnel such as a sub-inspector and even a deputy superintendent of police.

Digital evidence recovered from her mobile phone has reportedly caused unease within police circles. Sources claim that WhatsApp chats and call records show her in contact with more than 15 police officers, including a circle officer, a DSP from Ayodhya, and an in-charge from the Gida police station. Investigators are now scrutinizing bank accounts to trace money transfers made to Anshika and are also probing whether any police personnel were knowingly involved or compromised in the alleged extortion activities.

Anshika Singh is said to be a resident of Harpur Budhat in Gorakhpur and currently lives alone in a rented room in the Singhania area under the Cantonment police station limits. Police sources describe her as having an expensive lifestyle, with a fondness for luxury items, frequent outings with friends, and regular purchases of new mobile phones. These habits reportedly distanced her from her family and, according to investigators, may have pushed her toward illegal activities to sustain her lifestyle.

Commenting on the case, the City Superintendent of Police confirmed that multiple cases, including attempted murder and vehicle theft, have been registered against Anshika. On the allegations of blackmail and honeytrapping, he stated that no formal complaints have been lodged by victims so far, but all digital evidence is being thoroughly examined. He added that if any victims come forward, the police will take strict action as per the law.