18 hrs ago
Kerala Police Use Software to Trace Child Abuse Material
Kerala Police are using special computer tools to find people suspected of sharing material that abuses children.
The tools help investigators identify internet addresses connected to the activity.
On September 21, police searched places across the state.
They arrested eight people, registered 135 cases and seized 212 electronic devices.
Police said the wider Operation P-Hunt has led to 8,260 cases and 403 arrests over several years.
Suspects have tried to hide their activity by streaming files, deleting them quickly or using cloud links.
Some networks allegedly use social media and encrypted messaging apps to circulate the material.
Police also said some offenders used malware to access minors’ webcams and personal information.
Viewing, storing or distributing this material can lead to up to five years in prison and a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh.
Specialised software helped Kerala Police collect IP addresses linked to suspected online circulation of child sexual abuse material.
Operation P-Hunt searches on September 21 identified 398 suspected locations, led to eight arrests and produced 135 cases.
Police seized 212 devices, including phones, modems, hard disks and memory cards.
Operation P-Hunt has registered 8,260 cases and arrested 403 people over the past few years, police said.
Authorities said offenders increasingly use streaming, cloud links, encrypted platforms and malware to evade detection.
- Who
- The Kerala Police’s Countering Child Sexual Exploitation team and investigators involved in Operation P-Hunt.
- What
- Police used specialised software and digital tools to trace suspected distributors of child sexual abuse material, leading to searches, arrests, cases and device seizures.
- Where
- Across Kerala, with 398 suspected locations identified statewide.
- When
- Searches were conducted on September 21, and the police statement was reported on September 24.
- Why
- To identify and prosecute people who view, download, store, sell or share child sexual abuse material online.
Key facts
- Operation
- Operation P-Hunt, an ongoing statewide cyber-surveillance and enforcement campaign.
- Recent arrests
- Eight people were arrested during the September 21 searches.
- Cases registered
- 135 cases were registered during the latest operation.
- Suspected locations
- 398 locations in Kerala were identified through IP-address analysis.
- Devices seized
- 212 devices, including mobile phones, modems, hard disks and memory cards.
- Cumulative action
- Police said Operation P-Hunt has registered 8,260 cases and arrested 403 people over the past few years.
- Maximum penalty cited
- Viewing, distributing or storing the material can carry up to five years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh.
Quotes
Keralam Police
The state police force reporting on the investigation and enforcement action.
“Recognising the severity of the ongoing crisis and the continued exploitation of children, the CCSE Centre transitioned to a high-tech operational mode. Its investigators utilised specialised software to collect IP addresses and advanced digital tools to trace individuals sharing illicit material across social media platforms.”
theprint.in
“Following these seizures, investigations are currently underway to identify the remaining individuals involved in circulating such material. In line with the Keralam Police’s zero-tolerance policy, strict legal action will be taken against all those involved in this network.”
theprint.in
Sources
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