Police in Pilibhit have taken a 22-year-old man into custody over serious allegations of creating an obscene video of a teenage girl and sharing it on social media platforms. The arrest, confirmed on Monday, followed a formal complaint lodged by the 16-year-old victim's mother.
Details of the Alleged Cyber Crime
The incident came to light when the girl's mother approached the police on Sunday evening. She reported that the accused, a resident of a neighbouring village, had made an inappropriate video of her daughter. According to the complaint, the girl was previously acquainted with the accused and used to communicate with him.
The situation escalated when the minor stopped responding to his messages. Allegedly angered by this, the man then took the drastic step of posting the private video on his social media account, leading to its circulation.
Legal Action and FIR Registration
Acting swiftly on the mother's complaint, the Pilibhit police registered a First Information Report (FIR). The case has been filed under Section 67 of the Information Technology Act, 2000, which deals with publishing or transmitting obscene material in electronic form. This section carries provisions for imprisonment and a hefty fine.
The investigation led to the identification and subsequent arrest of the accused on Monday. Police officials have stated that they are probing all aspects of the case, including how the video was made and the extent of its circulation online.
Broader Implications and Community Impact
This case highlights the growing menace of cyber crimes, especially those targeting minors and women, in both urban and rural areas. The use of the IT Act in Pilibhit underscores the legal framework available to combat such digital offences. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of misusing social media to harass or defame individuals.
Local authorities are urging the public, particularly parents and guardians, to be vigilant about their children's online interactions and to report any suspicious or criminal behaviour immediately to the cyber crime cell or local police station.
