Telangana Police have arrested 15 individuals, including an IIT graduate, for allegedly possessing and distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The arrests were made during a coordinated operation across 11 districts of the state.
The investigation was conducted by the Telangana State Cyber Security Bureau (TSCSB), which traced the digital footprint of the accused through encrypted messaging platforms and cloud storage services. Authorities said the individuals were allegedly sharing illegal content online via social media and dark web forums.
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Multi-District Operation Led by TSCSB
The arrests were part of “Operation Masoom,” a state-wide initiative aimed at eliminating online child exploitation. Law enforcement agencies raided multiple locations in Hyderabad, Nizamabad, Karimnagar, Warangal, and Khammam, among others. The accused are aged between 22 and 50 and include professionals such as software engineers, private tutors, and business owners.
The IIT graduate, whose identity has not been disclosed pending further inquiry, was reportedly involved in using sophisticated technology to store and circulate CSAM via encrypted cloud platforms. According to investigators, some of the accused were also engaging in group chats where child sexual exploitation content was actively shared.
Digital devices, including laptops, smartphones, and hard drives, have been seized and sent for forensic analysis. Preliminary analysis revealed hundreds of illegal files, some of which were traced to international sources.
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Offenders Booked Under Stringent Legal Provisions
All 15 individuals have been booked under provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the Information Technology Act, and relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Telangana Police have confirmed that more arrests may follow, as data analysis continues.
Speaking to the media, a senior official from the TSCSB emphasized, “No individual, regardless of education or background, will be spared if found guilty. Child safety is non-negotiable.”
The state police have urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and report suspicious online activity involving minors.
About the Author – Anirudh Mittal is a B.Sc. LL.B. (Hons.) student at National Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar, with a keen interest in corporate law and tech-driven legal change.
