Punjab Police Arrests One, Identifies 54 Suspects in Child Abuse Material Case
In a significant operation, Punjab Police’s Cybercrime Division has arrested one person and identified 54 suspects involved in viewing, transmitting, and distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) using various online platforms.
Details of the Arrest
The arrested individual, Vijaypal, is a resident of Ramsra in Fazilka. Police teams have seized electronic devices following standard procedures, with proper hash values recorded. An FIR has been registered under Section 67B of the Information Technology (IT) Act at the Cyber Police Station.
Operation Insights
Director General of Police, Punjab, Gaurav Yadav, stated that the operation was launched following Cyber Tiplines from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The State Cyber Crime Division, in coordination with CPs/SSPs, identified 54 suspects across Punjab. One person was arrested for selling and sharing CSAM on Instagram and Telegram.
Seized Devices and Ongoing Investigation
Police teams have seized 39 devices from different suspects, which are being sent for forensic analysis. Further investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend more offenders involved in such heinous crimes.
Legal Context
ADGP Cybercrime, V Neeraja, explained that viewing, distributing, or storing CSAM is a criminal offense under Section 67B of the IT Act, 2000, read with Section 15 of the POCSO Act. Offenders can face up to five years of imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh.
Support and Reporting
The Punjab Police has Cyber Crime Police Stations in all 28 districts and Commissionerates, equipped with Cyber Investigation & Technical Support Units (CI & TSUs) to investigate Cybercrimes. For further assistance or to report CSAM, people can contact the State Cyber Crime Division or local District Cyber Crime Police Station.
Doubts Revealed
Punjab Police -: Punjab Police is the law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining law and order in the state of Punjab, India.
Cybercrime Division -: The Cybercrime Division is a special part of the police that deals with crimes involving computers and the internet.
CSAM -: CSAM stands for Child Sexual Abuse Material, which is illegal content involving children being abused.
DGP -: DGP stands for Director General of Police, the highest-ranking police officer in a state.
ADGP -: ADGP stands for Additional Director General of Police, a senior police officer just below the DGP.
Forensic analysis -: Forensic analysis is a detailed examination of evidence, often used to solve crimes.
Instagram -: Instagram is a social media platform where people share photos and videos.
Telegram -: Telegram is a messaging app that allows people to send messages, photos, and videos.
Supreme Court -: The Supreme Court is the highest court in India, making important decisions about laws.
