Bengaluru: The Cyber Crime Police in Bengaluru have launched a manhunt to apprehend a man accused of selling hundreds of child sexual exploitation and abuse material (CSEAM) videos online, following a tip-off from authorities in Telangana.
The case was registered after the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau alerted their counterparts in Karnataka about a suspicious individual allegedly circulating sexually explicit content involving minors through digital platforms.
Tip-off and FIR registration
According to the First Information Report (FIR), an email alert flagged the suspect’s activities, indicating that he had uploaded nearly 3,000 videos containing child sexual exploitation content to a Telegram group. The accused was allegedly charging Rs 550 per video for access.
Acting on the alert, the East Division Cyber Crime Police in Bengaluru registered a case and initiated an investigation under relevant legal provisions. The mobile number linked to the alleged activity was initially traced to Narayana Reddy Layout. However, further analysis of call detail records led investigators to a different address in Indiranagar.
Police sources said efforts are underway to track down and arrest the accused, who is believed to have used encrypted platforms and digital payment methods to conduct transactions and evade detection.
Legal provisions invoked
A case has been booked under Section 67(B) of the Information Technology Act, 2000. This provision deals specifically with publishing, transmitting, creating, collecting, seeking, browsing, downloading, advertising, promoting or distributing material depicting children in sexually explicit acts or conduct.
Conviction under Section 67(B) can attract stringent punishment, including imprisonment and fines. Officials said additional sections may be invoked as the investigation progresses, depending on the evidence gathered from digital devices and online accounts linked to the suspect.
Police are also coordinating with Telegram and other service providers to identify associated accounts, trace digital footprints and preserve electronic evidence.
Wider crackdown on online abuse
The latest case highlights ongoing concerns over the online circulation of exploitative content involving minors and the role of encrypted messaging platforms in facilitating such crimes.
Last year, the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau arrested 15 habitual offenders involved in the digital circulation of child sexual abuse material. The arrests were made during a coordinated statewide operation on June 18 by the Bureau’s specialised Child Protection Unit, which had been monitoring repeat offenders engaged in uploading, storing and distributing exploitative content.
Officials said inter-state cooperation has become crucial in tackling cybercrimes of this nature, as offenders often operate across jurisdictions using virtual private networks (VPNs), multiple SIM cards and anonymous online identities.
Call for vigilance
Senior officers stressed the importance of public vigilance and reporting mechanisms. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious online activity, especially content involving minors, through official cybercrime portals or local police stations.
Authorities reiterated that possession, distribution or even viewing of child sexual abuse material is a serious criminal offence under Indian law.
As the investigation continues, Bengaluru police said they are committed to ensuring swift action and strict legal consequences for those involved in such offences.