Bengaluru: Cyber police in Bengaluru have arrested two men for allegedly exploiting two minor girls, recording inappropriate acts on mobile phones and sharing the content online for financial gain, according to police officials.

The accused have been identified as Kiran Kumar Nayak, 29, a cattle grazer from Kaidallipalya near Kaggalipura, and Aditya MK, 20, a swimming pool maintenance worker from Channapatna. Both were arrested by officials attached to the Cyber Command Centre (CCC) following an alert received through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP).

Police said the case came to light during monitoring of online activity linked to child exploitation material. Investigators later traced the suspects and launched an operation leading to their arrest.

Victims rescued after cyber alert

According to investigators, the victims are two sisters aged 11 and 12 from a farming family in Ramanagara district of Bengaluru South.

Police stated that the girls had lost their mother several years ago, while their father reportedly died two years ago. Following the deaths of their parents, the children had been staying with their maternal uncle.

Officials alleged that the uncle was acquainted with one of the accused and is suspected to have facilitated access to the children in exchange for money. Authorities believe the minors were subjected to exploitation over an extended period.

Police rescued the girls after identifying the accused through digital evidence gathered during the cyber investigation.

Mobile phones seized during probe

Investigators recovered three mobile phones allegedly used to record and circulate the illegal content. Cyber forensic teams are currently examining the devices to trace the extent of online circulation and identify any possible links to wider networks.

Officials said the arrests were made after technical analysis and surveillance carried out by cyber crime officers attached to the Cyber Command Centre.

The case has been registered at the Kaggalipura Police Station under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and Information Technology laws.

Police confirmed that statements of the minors have been recorded in accordance with child protection procedures.

Search underway for maternal uncle

Authorities said efforts are underway to trace the maternal uncle, who is suspected to have played a role in the case.

Senior police officials stated that special teams have been formed to locate him and gather additional evidence related to the alleged exploitation and circulation of content online.

Pronab Mohanty, Director General of Police of the Cyber Command Centre, reportedly confirmed that the investigation is continuing and further arrests have not been ruled out.

Officials are also examining whether the accused had any links with organised online groups involved in sharing illegal content involving children.

Growing concern over online child safety

The incident has once again raised concerns regarding online child safety and the misuse of digital platforms for criminal activities targeting minors.

Cyber crime experts have repeatedly warned parents and guardians about the growing risks posed by online exploitation networks and the illegal circulation of sensitive material through social media and encrypted platforms.

Child rights activists stressed the need for stronger awareness campaigns, faster cyber monitoring systems and improved protection mechanisms for vulnerable children, especially those without adequate family support.

Police urged citizens to immediately report suspicious online activity related to child exploitation through official cyber crime portals or local law enforcement agencies.

Authorities also appealed to the public not to circulate any unverified information, images or videos related to the case, stating that protecting the identity and dignity of minors remains a legal and moral responsibility.

Investigation continues

Officials said the rescued girls are being provided counselling and support through child welfare authorities. Further investigation is underway to determine the full scope of the alleged offences and identify any additional individuals connected to the case.

Police maintained that strict action would be taken against all those found involved in crimes targeting minors and misuse of digital platforms for illegal activities.