Child sexual abuse: CBI registers cases against 83
The Hindu
Conducts searches in 14 States and Union Territories
In a major crackdown on online sexual abuse of minors and circulation of child pornographic material, the CBI has registered 23 new cases against 83 accused persons. It also conducted searches across 14 States and Union Territories.
The CBI has so far identified more than 50 groups, comprising over 5,000 offenders, who shared child sexual abuse material. Several of these groups had foreign nationals. “It is initially learnt that there may be involvement of nationals of about 100 countries spread across various continents. The CBI is coordinating with sister agencies through formal and informal channels,” said the agency.
“Searches are being carried out at 77 locations in Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Bihar, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. Several suspects have also been detained,” a CBI official said. Contents of a large number of seized electronic devices, including mobile phones and laptops, were being examined.