The investigation into the Instagram kidnapping case has revealed that accused Nirmay Madhav Pakhare (19) was in contact with three more girls, who were friends of the 16-year-old victim, police said. Pakhare and the three girls communicated through ‘Discord’, a free platform for voice, video and text chats. Police said the girls initially spoke to Pakhare regularly. But they soon became frightened. Pakhare allegedly started giving them instructions. He also tried to control their activities, police said. The girls then stopped speaking to him.

 

They cut off contact and distanced themselves from him. Police are now checking Pakhare’s online activities and his contacts with the three girls. Investigators suspect that his behaviour may have followed a similar pattern with them. In the main case, Hudkeshwar police have alleged that Pakhare sexually assaulted the 16-year-old girl months before she was allegedly held captive. Police said he later tried to control her through video calls. He allegedly told her where to go. He would then make video calls and watch her to check if she was following his instructions. In one instance, police said, he allegedly ordered her to sleep under a bed for the entire night. He also asked her to make a video call from there. The call reportedly continued through the night. Pakhare allegedly kept watching her during the call. Police are examining his digital devices and online accounts. They are also checking his online contacts. The three girls who cut contact with him are now an important part of the investigation. Police said their statements could help investigators understand Pakhare’s alleged pattern of online communication, control and threats.