In a significant crackdown on online child exploitation, Delhi Police have apprehended two individuals, including a minor, in South Delhi for their alleged involvement in distributing child pornography. The arrests were made following crucial alerts from an international watchdog.
International Tip-Off Leads to Arrests
The police action was initiated after the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) shared cyber tip reports with Indian authorities via the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C). These reports were flagged during routine monitoring, leading to the registration of cases under the stringent Section 67B of the Information Technology Act.
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Ankit Chauhan, the investigation revealed that the suspects were actively uploading and transmitting Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). The first case involved a juvenile from Sangam Vihar whose account was flagged for uploading CSAM to a Google-linked platform.
Digital Trail and Forensic Evidence
The second case, which originated from another NCMEC report, led investigators to a 54-year-old man from Chhatarpur Extension. Police stated that this accused had accessed and transmitted the illicit content across multiple sessions.
A specialized team from the Cyber Police Station of South District worked in close coordination with the I4C and various service providers. They meticulously analyzed digital evidence, including login history, activity timestamps, IP addresses, and Subscriber Detail Records (SDRs) of linked mobile numbers.
"The IP logs matched the timestamps in the NCMEC reports, and the suspects’ devices were used repeatedly to access the illicit content," confirmed DCP Chauhan. Following the digital trail, police teams located both suspects and seized their mobile devices, which were sent for a detailed forensic examination.
Legal Proceedings and Public Advisory
In the case involving the juvenile, proceedings are being conducted under the Juvenile Justice Act. Emphasizing the importance of such international collaborations, DCP Chauhan stated, "These (NCMEC) reports play a critical role in helping us trace offenders who operate online and often believe they remain anonymous."
Issuing a public advisory, the police have urged parents to be vigilant about their children's smartphone usage and online activities. They have encouraged the public to report any suspicious behavior related to online child exploitation on the National Cybercrime Portal or by dialing the helpline number 1930.
"Early reporting and awareness are essential in preventing exploitation and protecting children from online harm," DCP Chauhan added. A further investigation into both cases is currently underway.
