AGRA, May 23 -- Eight people were arrested by Agra police in connection with three separate cases in which users of friendship and dating apps, popular among members of the LGBTQ community, were allegedly assaulted, extorted and blackmailed. Cases were registered at Tajganj and Ekta police stations, officials said on Saturday.

Additional deputy commissioner of police (crime) Himanshu Gaurav said a complaint was lodged at Tajganj police station on May 21 by a man who alleged that he had come in contact with an unidentified person through a dating app on May 19.

"The accused invited the victim to meet at a hotel room in Agra where four men were already present. They held him hostage, assaulted him and threatened to kill him before forcing...