The Greater Chennai Police have issued a public warning regarding the potential misuse of the LGBTQ+ networking app Grindr, following a robbery involving a city-based businessman.
The case came to light after the arrest of three repeat offenders and a minor who allegedly carried out the crime at the victim&rsquo;s residence in MKB Nagar.
According to police, the businessman, who operates a garment business, had invited a person he had recently connected with through Grindr to his home on May 14, while his parents were away. However, the man arrived with two others &mdash; a male accomplice and a 17-year-old girl. Shortly after entering the home, the group turned violent.
They reportedly brandished a knife, tied up the businessman, and locked him in the bathroom. The intruders then stole 30 sovereigns of gold jewellery and 2.5 kg of silver before fleeing the scene in an autorickshaw.
The victim managed to free himself and informed the MKB Nagar Police. Reviewing CCTV footage, investigators confirmed the entry and swift departure of the suspects. Based on the evidence, special teams were deployed to track down the culprits.
On Saturday, police arrested R. Jayanthinathan (34), a known history-sheeter; his wife Esther; and M. Iyappan (34), also with a criminal background. A 17-year-old girl involved in the crime was also apprehended. Authorities recovered 181 grams of gold and 1 kg of silver from the accused.
Further investigation revealed that Jayanthinathan had previously visited the victim&rsquo;s residence a week earlier and, after spotting valuable items, planned the robbery with his associates.
Greater Chennai Police Commissioner A. Arun emphasized that this is not the first time warnings have been issued regarding Grindr. In the past, investigations into drug networks revealed that the app was being used to establish connections between suppliers and customers.
The Commissioner urged the public to remain vigilant while using dating or networking apps to avoid falling prey to criminal schemes.

Man lured through LGBTQ dating app, tied up and looted; police arrest gang and recover stolen gold and silver

Chennai Police Warns Public About Grindr After Businessman Robbed by Gang

Man lured through LGBTQ dating app, tied up and looted; police arrest gang and recover stolen gold and silver

May 18, 2025 | 15:22 IST