15 April,2026 02:41 PM IST | Amravati | mid-day online correspondent
Police said that the investigation is continuing in the matter. Representational Pic/File
A 19-year-old teenager has been arrested in Amravati district of Maharashtra for allegedly sexually exploiting at least 180 minor girls and recording hundreds of obscene videos, police said, reported the IANS.
The accused, Mohammad Ayan, a resident of Paratwada in Amravati, has been remanded to seven days of police custody, officials said, adding that a detailed probe has been launched into the entire case, the news agency reported.
Investigators said the accused allegedly targeted minor girls through a so-called 'love trap', luring them via social media platforms.
He is accused of taking victims to cities including Mumbai and Pune, where objectionable videos were allegedly recorded, according to the IANS.
Police said that these videos were then allegedly used to blackmail victims and force them into sexual crimes. Some of the content is also suspected to have been circulated online and a probe was underway to identify the origin of it, the news agency reported.
According to the IANS, the case gained attention after Anil Bonde submitted a memorandum to Superintendent of Police Vishal Anand, demanding strict action.
Bonde had warned of protests if a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was not formed to probe the matter.
Police have seized the accused's mobile phone, which reportedly contains several objectionable videos now under examination. The Cyber Cell was analysing whether the material was shared with others or circulated through a wider criminal network, reported the IANS.
Four additional suspects have also been detained for further investigations in the case.
The case reportedly sparked widespread anger in Paratwada and nearby areas, with protests breaking out across the region.
A complete shutdown was observed in the town, while heavy police deployment was put in place to maintain order. Protests also spread to Achalpur following reports of online circulation of the videos, as per the IANS.
Meanwhile, the civic authorities have taken action against alleged encroachments linked to the accused.
In the presence of Pravin Tayade, illegal structures associated with the accused were demolished.
Officials said that the additional portions of his property have been identified as encroachments, and a 30-day eviction notice has been issued.
Police said the investigation is continuing to determine the full extent of the alleged crimes and identify all those involved.
(with IANS inputs)
