The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a junior engineer of Uttar Pradesh irrigation department for sexual exploitation and abuse of 50 children and selling videos and photographs of nefarious acts on the darknet to other paedophiles across the globe for 10 years, according to reports.
He is alleged to have victimised about 50 children in the age group of 5-16 years in the districts of Chitrakoot, Banda and Hamirpur, officials said. He was arrested from Banda and is likely to be produced before the competent court soon.
During searches, the CBI team recovered cash to the tune of Rs 8 lakh, mobile phones, laptops, web cameras and other electronic devices including pen drives, memory cards and several sex toys.
“Apart from the physical abuse of these children, the accused also allegedly recorded their acts using their mobile phones, laptops and other electronic devices. It was further alleged that these photographs and video films containing child sexual abuse material were published and transmitted by the accused using the facility of the internet,” said the CBI in a statement.
Scrutiny of e-mails found on the laptop indicated he was in touch with several others (both Indian and foreign nationals) to share CSAM.
During interrogation the accused told investigators he bribed the children with mobile phones and other electronic gadgets to ensure they stayed silent about his activities.
The junior engineer allegedly abused children across three districts of the state – Chitrakoot, Banda and Hamirpur.
