The Cyber Crime Wing of Malappuram Police has arrested a 20-year-old man for allegedly selling pornographic videos — including child abuse content — through the messaging platform Telegram, police said on Wednesday. The accused is now in judicial custody as investigators probe further into the distribution network and digital materials involved in the offence.
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Arrest of Accused in Cyber Crime Case
The suspect, identified as Safwan, hails from Chunkathara in Nilambur, Malappuram district. Police acted on confidential intelligence to trace his Telegram activities, which allegedly involved sharing and selling explicit videos in private groups and channels with an apparent motive of financial gain.
Malappuram District Police Chief Vishwanath R confirmed that the cyber squad monitored Safwan’s online footprint before arresting him under relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Information Technology Act, 2000.
During the arrest, police seized two mobile phones from his possession that are now being examined to recover evidence, trace source media and uncover the extent of the online distribution operation.
Legal Proceedings and Judicial Custody
After being taken into custody by the Malappuram Cyber Crime team, Safwan was produced before the local court, which remanded him to judicial custody for 14 days to allow police to conduct further investigation and forensic analysis of digital content.
Police have registered a formal case against him under sections of the POCSO Act — which addresses offences involving sexual abuse and exploitation of minors — and relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000, which deals with online distribution of obscene content.
Growing Challenge of Online Child Abuse Content
The incident underscores the increasing challenge faced by law enforcement agencies in combating online circulation of child abuse material and sexually explicit content through encrypted and semi-anonymous platforms like Telegram. Cybercrime units in Kerala and across India have reported increased use of messaging apps and social platforms by offenders to evade detection while disseminating prohibited material.
Authorities said they are intensifying surveillance and digital monitoring to identify both distributors and consumers of such content, especially where the protection of children is concerned. Officials emphasised that selling or distributing pornographic content involving minors is a criminal offence with severe penalties under Indian law.
Police Statement and Public Safety Measures
The Malappuram District Police Chief reaffirmed that the department is committed to protecting children’s safety and preventing violations in the digital space. He stated that strict action would be taken against individuals involved in such offences and that cyber surveillance efforts have been stepped up to detect similar violations.
Police urged members of the public to report suspicious online behaviour or explicit content involving minors through official channels, including the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, so that timely action can be taken.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
