Who Are the Two Arrested and 33 Identified in Punjab for Viewing Child Sexual Exploitative Material?
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Synopsis
In a groundbreaking operation, Punjab police have arrested two individuals and identified 33 more linked to the viewing and sharing of child sexual exploitative material. This significant move underscores the government's commitment to tackling online child exploitation. Learn more about the operation's scope and implications.
Key Takeaways
- Two arrests made in Punjab for CSEAM.
- 33 suspects identified through cyber tip-offs.
- Operation covered 40 locations across the state.
- Legal action based on POCSO Act.
- Continued investigations expected.
Chandigarh, June 27 (NationPress) The Director General of Police (DGP) of Punjab, Gaurav Yadav, announced on Friday that a significant operation targeting online child exploitation has led to the arrest of two individuals and the identification of 33 suspects involved in the viewing, transmitting, and distribution of child sexual exploitative and abusive material (CSEAM) across various online platforms.
This operation, known as CSEAM-4, was executed on Thursday and covered 40 locations across 18 districts and three Commissionerates, based on actionable cyber tip-offs from the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
The Supreme Court clarified in a recent ruling that viewing, possessing, and failing to report CSEAM content is punishable under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO).
CSEAM encompasses any material that sexually exploits minors, including images and videos, which is illegal to create, share, or keep, as it inflicts lasting damage on victims and represents a severe form of child exploitation.
The individuals arrested have been identified as Akash Babu from Khanna and Harpreet Singh from Morinda.
DGP Yadav noted that the State Cyber Crime Cell rigorously analyzed digital evidence from platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and Telegram to locate offenders.
During the operation, 33 suspects were pinpointed throughout Punjab, with field units dispatched under the supervision of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Cybercrime V. Neeraja.
The raids resulted in the filing of two first information reports (FIRs) and the confiscation of 34 mobile phones, which will undergo forensic analysis to retrieve deleted data, with further arrests expected, according to DGP Yadav.
The DGP mentioned that additional FIRs will be lodged following further examinations, leading to the apprehension of more individuals involved in CSEAM offenses.
ADGP Neeraja stated that the cyber tip-offs are generated based on online activities related to CSEAM, particularly on platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and Telegram.
The reports from I4C are meticulously reviewed by the Cyber Crime Prevention Against Women and Children Unit of the State Cybercrime office, led by Inspector Prabhjot Kaur, to identify offenders and their locations.
Point of View
The recent arrests in Punjab highlight a critical issue facing our society—online child exploitation. It's essential to recognize the role of law enforcement in addressing this challenge and the importance of vigilance from all of us in safeguarding our children.
NationPress
27/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CSEAM?
CSEAM stands for child sexual exploitative and abusive material, which includes any content depicting or exploiting minors in a sexual manner.
What actions are taken against individuals viewing CSEAM?
Individuals caught viewing, possessing, or failing to report CSEAM content can face serious legal consequences under the POCSO Act.
How did the police identify suspects in this case?
The police utilized actionable cyber tip-offs from the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre and analyzed digital evidence from various social media platforms.
What are the implications of this operation?
This operation signifies a strong stance against online child exploitation and aims to deter individuals from engaging in such behavior.
What is the next step for the arrested individuals?
The arrested individuals will face legal proceedings, and further investigations may lead to additional arrests and charges.
