New Delhi, April 18 (IANS) The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken cognisance of the alleged sexual exploitation of more than180 minor girls in Maharashtra’s Amravati and raised concerns over the adequacy of legal provisions invoked, seeking clarity on why more stringent sections have not been applied at this stage, officials said on Saturday.

The development follows the arrest of a man on April 15 in connection with the case.

The accused, identified as Mohammad Ayaz alias Tanveer from Paratwada city, is alleged to have lured minor girls into a “love trap” and taken them to cities such as Mumbai and Pune, where he is suspected of recording objectionable videos.

Investigators have said the content was later used to blackmail victims and force them into prostitution, with some material reportedly circulated online.

NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar chaired a high-level review meeting on Friday to assess the progress of the Paratwada case.

The meeting was attended by senior district officials, including Commissioner of Police (Amravati City) Rakesh Ola, District Magistrate Ashish Yerekar, Superintendent of Police (SP) (Amravati Rural) Vishal Anand, and Achalpur Additional SP Shubham Kumar.

According to officials, the case involves the exploitation of multiple victims, with objectionable content allegedly recorded and circulated through digital platforms.

The scale of the case has raised serious concerns over the misuse of technology, the extent of circulation of such content, and the safety and dignity of those affected.

During the briefing, SP Vishal Anand told that eight accused persons, including the main accused, have been arrested so far.

The case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, and the Information Technology Act.

A Special Investigation Team led by IPS officer Shubham Kumar has been constituted to ensure a swift and transparent probe.

Authorities have seized digital devices, including mobile phones, a laptop, and a tablet, which have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory for detailed examination and recovery of evidence.

Expressing serious concern, the NCW Chairperson questioned whether the charges applied so far are sufficient, and sought an explanation on the absence of stricter legal provisions, according to the officials.

“She also noted discrepancies between media reports and the current status of recovered digital content and directed authorities to intensify efforts to trace and retrieve all such material. The Chairperson further emphasised the need to examine whether there was any financial angle involved in the circulation of such content, including possible commercial exploitation through digital means. She also sought details regarding any potential links between the accused and the premises where the alleged incidents took place,” the NCW said in a statement.

Highlighting the sensitivity of the matter, Rahatkar expressed concern that victims may be reluctant to come forward due to fear of stigma and defamation.

She directed officials to ensure strong witness protection mechanisms and in-camera proceedings to safeguard the identity and dignity of survivors.

She also stressed the need for community outreach initiatives to build trust and encourage victims to report such crimes without fear.

In addition, the NCW Chairperson instructed authorities to coordinate with Maharashtra Cyber to ensure the permanent removal of objectionable content from online platforms to prevent further harm.

The Commission has also directed that forensic analysis be expedited and that progress reports be submitted every five days.

Reaffirming its commitment to justice and the protection of women and children, the NCW said that strict and time-bound action in the case will be closely monitored.

–IANS

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