Eight individuals have been arrested in connection with a widespread scheme involving the sexual exploitation of minors and the online circulation of explicit content in Maharashtra’s Amravati district. The arrests follow a significant crackdown by law enforcement, who are investigating over 350 explicit videos allegedly created and distributed by the accused.
Investigation Details Emerge
The case, which has sent shockwaves through the region, came to light on April 11 when objectionable clips began surfacing online. Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) suo motu after videos linked to the Paratwada area started circulating, even before victims had come forward.
At the forefront of the investigation is the alleged mastermind, identified as 19-year-old Ayan Ahmed Tanveer Ahmed, also known as Mohammad Ayaz. He is accused of luring minor girls, primarily through social media platforms like WhatsApp and Snapchat, into what investigators describe as a “love trap.” According to police, he would then build trust with the victims before allegedly exploiting them and recording explicit videos without their consent. These videos were reportedly used for blackmail and to coerce victims into further exploitation.
Authorities are examining more than 350 videos linked to the case, with claims suggesting that as many as 180 girls may have been targeted. A second accused, Ujer Khan, has been arrested for allegedly circulating around 100 of these videos on social media platforms. Several other individuals have also been apprehended for their alleged roles in circulating the explicit material.
Rented Premises and Broader Network
The investigation has also revealed the use of a rented accommodation in Amravati, provided by Manav Sugandhe, where the primary accused allegedly sexually exploited the girls. Police are actively probing whether a larger, organized network is involved in the creation and distribution of such content, indicating that more arrests may be forthcoming.
Electronic devices, including laptops, tablets, hard disks, and mobile phones, have been seized from the accused and are undergoing forensic analysis to retrieve deleted data and identify further evidence. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to expedite the probe and ensure accountability.
Legal Action and Public Outcry
The accused have been charged under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Section 294 for distribution of obscene content, as well as provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Information Technology Act. A local court has remanded the arrested individuals to police custody as investigations continue.
The case has sparked significant public outrage across Maharashtra, with calls for stricter action against perpetrators and enhanced online safety measures. In response to the allegations, authorities also carried out bulldozer action on portions of the main accused’s family home in Paratwada.
Police are appealing to victims and their families to come forward, assuring them of protection and confidentiality. Counseling is being provided to affected girls and their families to support them through the investigation process.
The Chenab Times News Desk