Maharashtra State Cyber Police has arrested a man accused of selling and distributing child sexual exploitation and abuse material (CSEAM) through the Telegram messaging platform, marking a significant breakthrough in the state's efforts to combat online child exploitation.
The accused, identified as Adiraj Rajendra Bait, was allegedly operating the illegal network from Maharashtra. In view of the seriousness and sensitive nature of the case, the Cyber Police registered a Zero FIR. They handed over the accused to the NRI Police Station in Navi Mumbai for further investigation and legal action.
According to the Office of the Additional Director General of Police, Maharashtra State Cyber Department, cyber teams routinely monitor the dark web, social media platforms, and other online channels to detect cybercrime and illegal activities.
During one such operation, officials received confidential intelligence suggesting that a Telegram-based operator in Maharashtra was selling prohibited child abuse content in exchange for money.
Acting on the tip-off, investigators launched a technical probe and
analyzed financial transactions linked to the suspect, including his UPI records. Authorities also used open-source intelligence and field investigation techniques to trace the accused's location before taking him into custody.
During interrogation, the accused allegedly admitted to his involvement in the operation. Police subsequently seized a mobile phone believed to have been used in the commission of the crime.
A forensic examination of the device reportedly uncovered a large quantity of prohibited child sexual exploitation material. Investigators said the content had been stored for the purpose of selling and forwarding it to customers through online platforms.
Given the gravity of the allegations, Maharashtra Cyber Police promptly registered a Zero FIR. The accused, along with the seized mobile phone and related case documents, has since been transferred to the NRI Police Station for a detailed investigation.
Authorities are now working to identify other individuals who may be connected to the network and are examining financial records to determine who transferred money to the accused's bank accounts.
