Bengaluru: Two men have been arrested in Bengaluru for allegedly sexually assaulting two orphaned minor sisters over a prolonged period and recording videos of the abuse, which were allegedly shared online for financial gain, police said.
The arrests were made after the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal alerted the Cyber Command Centre about exploitative content involving minors circulating on social media platforms.
Officials said the accused allegedly abused the girls for more than a year and uploaded videos online to earn money. The case has triggered outrage in Karnataka due to the brutal nature of the allegations and the vulnerable background of the victims.
Cybercrime alert led to investigation
According to police, the Cyber Command Centre launched an investigation after receiving information through the national cybercrime reporting system.
Authorities later arrested 29-year-old Kiran Kumar Nayak and 20-year-old Aditya MK in connection with the case.
Investigators said the accused allegedly recorded videos of the assaults and circulated them on social media and other digital platforms.
Electronic devices, including mobile phones, have reportedly been seized for forensic analysis as part of the investigation.
Victims lost both parents
Police said the two girls, aged 11 and 12, belonged to a farming family from Ramanagara district near Bengaluru South.
Their mother reportedly died several years ago, while their father passed away around two years ago.
After losing both parents, the sisters were living with their uncle, who police suspect had connections with one of the accused.
Investigators alleged that the uncle accepted money from the accused and allowed them access to the girls. Police teams are currently searching for him.
Case registered under POCSO Act
Officials confirmed that a case has been registered at Kaggalipura police station under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and other relevant legal provisions.
Pronab Mohanty said the victims’ statements have been recorded and the investigation is continuing.
Police are also examining whether the exploitative material was distributed through organised online groups or networks.
Authorities warned that sharing or circulating such content is a serious offence punishable under Indian cybercrime and child protection laws.
Child safety and online exploitation concerns
The incident has renewed concerns over cyber-enabled crimes involving children and vulnerable individuals.
Experts say online platforms and encrypted applications are increasingly being misused for illegal exploitation and circulation of abusive material.
Police urged citizens to report any suspicious or exploitative online content involving children through official cybercrime channels.
Officials also appealed to the public not to forward or download any illegal material linked to the case.
Investigation continues
Police said further arrests may be possible depending on evidence recovered from digital devices and ongoing interrogation of the accused.
Child welfare authorities are reportedly extending support and counselling to the victims.
The case has shocked residents across Karnataka and intensified calls for stronger monitoring of online exploitation networks and better protection systems for vulnerable children.