Kolkata Police Launch Investigation into Alleged Child Exploitation Case Involving Dark Web Sale
An alarming case of digital exploitation has emerged in Kolkata, prompting swift police action. On Thursday, authorities at the Hatishala Police Station registered a First Information Report (FIR) following a complaint that an unknown individual created a Facebook account using the photograph of a minor girl. This account was allegedly used to circulate morphed content, including a video that was reportedly intended for sale on the dark web, according to police statements.
Details of the Complaint and Allegations
The complaint was filed by the minor girl's elder brother, who asserted that the fake Facebook account was utilized to post and distribute multiple manipulated images. In these images, a female body was digitally superimposed with the minor's face, creating explicit and harmful content. The complaint further detailed that the video associated with this account was specifically created for commercial purposes, highlighting the sinister intent behind the act.
The complainant also suggested that the accused might have an information technology background, raising suspicions that individuals connected to the siblings' previous workplaces or educational institutions could be involved. This has added a layer of complexity to the investigation, as police work to identify potential suspects within known circles.
Legal Framework and Police Investigation
In response to the severity of the allegations, Kolkata police have invoked stringent legal provisions under both the Information Technology Act and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The FIR includes specific sections such as Section 66(c) and Section 67(b) of the IT Act, read with Section 14 of the POCSO Act, 2012. These sections address identity theft, publishing or transmitting obscene material in electronic form, and sexual harassment of children, respectively.
Law enforcement officials have launched a comprehensive probe to identify the operator of the fraudulent Facebook account and trace the origin and circulation of the manipulated images and video. "We are writing to the Meta authorities for leads," stated an officer involved in the case, emphasizing the collaborative effort with social media platforms to gather crucial evidence.
Scope of the Investigation and Future Steps
The investigation is expected to focus on several key areas:
- Platform-related data: Authorities will seek account registration details, login history, IP logs, and linked identifiers from Meta to establish digital footprints.
- Dissemination trail: Police aim to map how the content spread across various online channels, potentially uncovering networks involved in its distribution.
- Financial transactions: Efforts are being made to determine if any monetary exchanges were involved in the alleged sale of the video on the dark web, which could lead to charges related to trafficking or commercial exploitation.
This case underscores the growing challenges of cybercrime and child exploitation in the digital age. As technology advances, so do the methods used by perpetrators, making it imperative for law enforcement to adapt and utilize all available resources. The Kolkata police's proactive measures, including reaching out to international platforms and applying robust legal frameworks, highlight their commitment to combating such heinous acts and ensuring justice for the victim.
