AMRAVATI/NAGPUR: Authorities have launched a crackdown, including bulldozer action, against the residence of Ayan Ahmed Tanveer Ahmed, a 19-year-old accused in a shocking sexual exploitation and blackmail case that has rocked Maharashtra’s Amravati district.The civic body on Wednesday carried out demolition of portions of the accused’s house after issuing prior notice, as police intensified action in what officials are calling a major cyber-enabled sexual abuse case involving minors.The accused was arrested on Tuesday and remanded in police custody till April 21 for allegedly luring minor girls through social media, recording objectionable content without consent, and using it to blackmail and threaten victims. Investigators said the material was later circulated online, triggering public outrage, with a bandh being observed in Achalpur and Paratwada in Maharashtra’s Amravati district, located around 180 km from Nagpur.Police officials said around 100 objectionable videos had initially surfaced on social media, prompting immediate cyber surveillance and takedown efforts. So far, investigators have identified at least 8 victims and are working to trace their families while maintaining confidentiality.Amravati Rural SP Vishal Anand Singuri said the accused has been booked under relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the IT Act. “The mobile phone used in the offences has been seized. During interrogation, inputs led to another suspect who is also being questioned,” he said, adding that 18 videos and 39 images have been identified so far.Officials also said efforts are underway with the Maharashtra Cyber Department to remove all viral content from online platforms and track those who further circulated it.Police said a detailed forensic examination of electronic devices is ongoing to establish the wider network and possible accomplices.Meanwhile, political leaders, including Rajya Sabha MP Dr Anil Bonde, have demanded a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe, alleging a wider network and coordinated online groups involved in the exploitation and circulation of the content.Authorities have urged victims and families to come forward, assuring full confidentiality and legal as well as psychological support.(With agency inputs)
