New Delhi: At least three accused have been arrested after police launched a major investigation over videos of women bathing at the Maha Kumbh were allegedly being recorded and sold on the dark web. The case has now expanded beyond Uttar Pradesh to Gujarat and Maharashtra. Two of the accused were arrested from Maharashtra’s Latur, while the third was arrested in UP. Also, links to international hackers have also come to fore in the case.
According to Gujarat police the suspect from district was in contact with foreign hackers based in Romania and Atlanta. He was identified as Pranav Teli. He, along with an accomplice from Sangli district in Maharashtra, allegedly recorded videos of women at Maha Kumbh and in malls and hospitals in Prayagraj. Moreover, videos of women in hospitals and malls in Gujarat and Maharashtra were also recorded and sold online. These videos were then sold on the dark web.
Accused used Telegram to create multiple accounts
Investigators have found that the accused used Telegram to create multiple accounts and offered memberships ranging from Rs 2,000 to Rs 4,000 to access these videos. Some videos, showing women covering themselves with towels or changing clothes, are being used as previews to advertise the sale of more explicit content.
The illicit earnings were reportedly transferred from foreign sources to the bank accounts of the accused in Latur. The controversial footage has been circulating on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Telegram.
Authorities have registered two FIRs in Gujarat and Prayagraj. Some other reports mentioned that a total of 13 FIRs have been filed so far. The police cybercrime unit is monitoring social media platforms and taking strict action against those spreading objectionable content or rumours.
Both buyers and sellers will be arrested
A Uttar Pradesh police official, while talking to NDTV, said, both buyers and sellers of videos showing women bathing at the Maha Kumbh will be arrested. The official added that 103 social media accounts have been identified so far for action.
