A 19-year-old teenager has been arrested in Amravati district of Maharashtra for allegedly sexually exploiting at least 180 minor girls and recording hundreds of obscene videos, police said, reported the IANS.
The accused, Mohammad Ayan, a resident of Paratwada in Amravati, has been remanded to seven days of police custody, officials said, adding that a detailed probe has been launched into the entire case, the news agency reported.
Investigators said the accused allegedly targeted minor girls through a so-called `love trap`, luring them via social media platforms.
He is accused of taking victims to cities including Mumbai and Pune, where objectionable videos were allegedly recorded, according to the IANS.
Police said that these videos were then allegedly used to blackmail victims and force them into sexual crimes. Some of the content is also suspected to have been circulated online and a probe was underway to identify the origin of it, the news agency reported.
SIT demand
According to the IANS, the case gained attention after Anil Bonde submitted a memorandum to Superintendent of Police Vishal Anand, demanding strict action.
Bonde had warned of protests if a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was not formed to probe the matter.
Digital evidence and wider probe
Police have seized the accused’s mobile phone, which reportedly contains several objectionable videos now under examination. The Cyber Cell was analysing whether the material was shared with others or circulated through a wider criminal network, reported the IANS.
Four additional suspects have also been detained for further investigations in the case.
Public outrage and protests
The case reportedly sparked widespread anger in Paratwada and nearby areas, with protests breaking out across the region.
A complete shutdown was observed in the town, while heavy police deployment was put in place to maintain order. Protests also spread to Achalpur following reports of online circulation of the videos, as per the IANS.
Action against encroachments
Meanwhile, the civic authorities have taken action against alleged encroachments linked to the accused.
In the presence of Pravin Tayade, illegal structures associated with the accused were demolished.
Officials said that the additional portions of his property have been identified as encroachments, and a 30-day eviction notice has been issued.
Police said the investigation is continuing to determine the full extent of the alleged crimes and identify all those involved.
