Demonstrating the power of cyber forensics and international cooperation, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a man in Aizawl, Mizoram, on June 9, 2025, in connection with a disturbing case of child sexual assault and dissemination of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). The arrest follows an extensive investigation that leveraged data from global databases, advanced forensic analysis, and proactive surveillance mechanisms.
The case, registered suo motu by the CBI, has exposed a highly exploitative crime involving the abuse of a minor, who was later rescued in a coordinated operation. The accused is now in custody, and investigations are continuing.
Digital Trail Uncovered: CSAM, Threats, and Exploitation
The CBI initiated its investigation on May 30, 2025, after uncovering serious evidence that the accused had engaged in the creation, collection, and distribution of CSAM. The accused was reportedly in possession of explicit material involving minors and had uploaded such content online, a clear violation of child protection and cybercrime laws.
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A subsequent search operation conducted at the accused’s residence on June 4, 2025, led to the seizure of multiple electronic devices. Forensic analysis revealed a substantial volume of CSAM in both image and video formats. These materials were cross-verified with data from INTERPOL’s International Child Sexual Exploitation (ICSE) database and Cyber Tipline Reports (CTRs) provided by Google, which were shared with India’s Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Crucially, the forensic investigation revealed that a minor child had been sexually assaulted by the accused in Aizawl. The content also showed that the child had been coerced and threatened into participating in the abusive material creation.
Swift Action and Rescue: Victim Identified and Saved
In a rapid and well-coordinated move, the CBI successfully traced and rescued the minor victim. This was accomplished despite the absence of a formal complaint from the victim or the family. The agency’s ability to detect the case suo motu underscores the growing importance of digital surveillance and forensic capabilities in modern criminal investigations.
The CBI emphasized that neither the victim nor their family had approached any law enforcement agency, making the agency’s self-initiated action a critical component in uncovering and halting the abuse. Investigators now believe that the child had been manipulated over time and subjected to severe psychological pressure to create exploitative content.
CBI’s Commitment to Child Protection and Cyber Vigilance
In its public statement, the CBI reiterated its commitment to using cyber intelligence tools and international collaboration to protect vulnerable children from online exploitation. The agency urged citizens to report any suspicious activity related to child abuse or explicit content to the appropriate authorities immediately.
The case also underscores the importance of public awareness and technological vigilance in preventing such heinous crimes. With increasing digital access and streaming capabilities, the danger of CSAM being created, distributed, and consumed through hidden online networks is a real and pressing concern.
The CBI has affirmed that investigations are ongoing and more arrests could follow as digital evidence is further examined. The agency continues to collaborate with national and international partners to ensure accountability and justice in crimes against children.