New Delhi, April 18 (NationPress) The National Commission for Women (NCW) has acknowledged the disturbing case of alleged sexual exploitation involving over 180 minor girls in Maharashtra's Amravati. The commission has expressed serious concerns regarding the legal measures taken thus far, questioning why more severe charges have not been applied at this critical stage, officials reported on Saturday.

This development comes after the arrest of a suspect on April 15.

The individual, identified as Mohammad Ayaz alias Tanveer from Paratwada, is accused of enticing minor girls into a "love trap" and transporting them to cities like Mumbai and Pune, where he reportedly recorded inappropriate videos.

According to investigators, this content was used to blackmail the victims, forcing them into prostitution, with some material allegedly being circulated online.

NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar led a high-level review meeting on Friday to evaluate the progress of the Paratwada investigation.

The meeting included senior district officials, such as Amravati City Commissioner of Police Rakesh Ola, District Magistrate Ashish Yerekar, Superintendent of Police (SP) Vishal Anand, and Achalpur Additional SP Shubham Kumar.

Officials reported that the case involves numerous victims, with objectionable content purportedly recorded and disseminated via digital platforms.

The magnitude of this case has raised serious alarms regarding the misuse of technology, the spread of such content, and the safety and dignity of the victims involved.

During the briefing, SP Vishal Anand revealed that eight individuals, including the main suspect, have been apprehended so far.

The case is being prosecuted under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, and the Information Technology Act.

A Special Investigation Team led by IPS officer Shubham Kumar has been established to ensure a swift and transparent investigation.

Authorities have confiscated digital devices, including mobile phones, a laptop, and a tablet, which have been forwarded to the Forensic Science Laboratory for comprehensive examination and evidence recovery.

Expressing grave concern, the NCW Chairperson questioned the sufficiency of the charges applied thus far and requested explanations regarding the absence of more stringent legal measures.

"She also pointed out discrepancies between media reports and the current state of recovered digital content and instructed authorities to enhance efforts to track down and recover all such material. The Chairperson further emphasized the need to investigate any potential financial motives behind the circulation of this content, including possible commercial exploitation through digital avenues. She sought information on any potential connections between the accused and the locations where these alleged incidents occurred," stated the NCW in an official release.

Highlighting the sensitivity of the issue, Rahatkar expressed concern that victims may hesitate to come forward due to fears of stigma and defamation.

She directed officials to establish robust witness protection mechanisms and conduct in-camera proceedings to safeguard the identities and dignity of the survivors.

Additionally, the NCW Chairperson called for community outreach initiatives to build trust and encourage victims to report such crimes without apprehension.

Moreover, the NCW instructed authorities to collaborate with Maharashtra Cyber to ensure the permanent removal of objectionable online content to prevent further harm.

The Commission has also mandated an expedited forensic analysis and the submission of progress reports every five days.

Reaffirming its commitment to justice and the protection of women and children, the NCW stated that strict and time-bound actions in this case will be closely monitored.