IMPHAL/UKHRUL: Bishnupur District Police have arrested 13 individuals, including a child in conflict with the law (CCL), in connection with the alleged monetisation and circulation of non-consensual explicit content involving Manipuri women and child sexual abuse material (CSAM) through Telegram and WhatsApp.
Superintendent of Police (SP), Bishnupur, Ksh. Ravikumar, disclosed the details during a press conference held at his office on Tuesday, outlining the progress of Operation Dignity, launched following an initial tip-off received on October 3.
ALSO READ Meitei Alliance Demands Justice for Naga Civilian, Action Against Killers
The operation was led by the SDPO, Moirang, under the overall supervision of SP Ksh. Ravikumar. A suo motu case was registered under relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Police have identified more than 150 Telegram channels and WhatsApp groups allegedly linked to the network, of which 38 have been neutralised. During the operation, 14 mobile phones and one laptop were seized for investigation.
The arrested individuals have been identified as N. Rajesh Singh alias Maipakchao (21) of Bishnupur; H. Dhanajit Singh alias Taison (19) of Bishnupur; S. Saphaba Singh (19) of Imphal West; Th. Cavendish Singh alias Ingocha (21) of Kakching; H. Rojit Singh (19) of Bishnupur; M. Clinton Singh (28) of Bishnupur; Kh. Bipin Singh (31) of Thoubal; S. Simpson Singh (34) of Imphal West; A. Aria Singh (24) of Bishnupur; S. Alexander Singh (31) of Kakching; K. Rakesh Singh (18) of Imphal West; and Ch. Robert Singh (27) of Imphal West. The identity of the child in conflict with the law has not been disclosed.
ALSO READ | UNC Demands Arrests Over Makui Beheading, Ningchou and Pilong Killings
SP Ksh. Ravikumar said the investigation was continuing to trace the wider network, examine financial transactions linked to the alleged monetisation of the material and identify the victims.
Police said Operation Dignity was aimed at tackling the circulation and commercial exploitation of non-consensual explicit content and child sexual abuse material through digital platforms.
Also read | Two Tangkhul Family Members Among Nine Confirmed Dead in Manipur Clashes