A 19-year-old arrested in Amravati for allegedly exploiting 180 minor girls via social media. Police probe reveals grooming, blackmail, and over 350 videos

New Delhi: A deeply disturbing case of online grooming, exploitation, and blackmail has come to light in Maharashtra’s Amravati district, where police arrested a 19-year-old who allegedly targeted and exploited nearly 180 minor girls through social media platforms, exposing a dangerous pattern of digital abuse.

According to the police, the accused approached girls on platforms such as WhatsApp and Snapchat, posing as a romantic partner to build emotional trust. Once he established a connection, he allegedly manipulated the victims into sharing personal content and, in several instances, persuaded them to meet him in cities like Mumbai and Pune. Investigators say he used this trust to record more than 350 obscene videos without the victims’ consent.

He allegedly used these videos to blackmail the victims, threatening to expose them if they refused to comply, which in some cases led to repeated exploitation. Police have also found indications that he circulated some of the videos online, further deepening the impact of the crime and widening its reach.

Authorities have registered the case under the POCSO Act, Section 294 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and the Information Technology Act, 2000, reflecting the serious nature of the offences. They have also formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by Superintendent of Police (Rural) Vishal Anand, to conduct a detailed investigation, trace digital evidence, identify additional victims, and examine whether others were involved.

How the Case Came to Light

The case came to light after BJP Rajya Sabha MP Anil Bonde filed a complaint. He submitted a memorandum to the police, pointing out that objectionable videos involving minor girls were being circulated.

When these videos started going viral on social media, the police acted quickly. They recovered the accused’s mobile phone and are now tracing digital evidence such as IP addresses and message forwards. So far, only eight victims have been officially identified, but the accused is believed to have targeted around 180 girls. The investigation is still ongoing to find out the full scale of the crime and whether others were involved.

Police Action and Bulldozer Demolition

After the arrest, the local administration took strict action. On April 15, 2026, authorities demolished parts of the accused’s illegal property in Paratwada using bulldozers.

The accused has been sent to judicial custody for seven days. Police have seized his electronic devices and are examining the data to identify more victims and stop further sharing of the videos.

The Human Impact on Victims and Families

This incident has created fear and anger in Amravati and nearby areas. Many families have responded to police appeals, but a large number of victims are still silent due to fear of social stigma and blackmail.

The case clearly shows how easily minor girls can be targeted through simple online friendships, especially in smaller towns where awareness about online safety is still low.

How Girls Can Identify and Escape Such Traps

If you or someone you know is in a similar situation, these warning signs and steps can help:

Warning signs to watch for:

• Someone you meet online quickly asks for private photos or videos
• The person insists on meeting alone or plans sudden trips to another city
• They threaten to share your private content if you refuse
• They ask you to keep the relationship a secret
• They repeatedly demand money, gifts, or explicit content

Immediate steps if you feel trapped:

• Stop all contact and block the person everywhere
• Do not delete chats or evidence. Save everything
• Inform a trusted adult immediately, such as a parent, teacher, or sibling
• Report to the police cyber cell or call 100 or 112
• In Maharashtra, you can also call the Women and Child Helpline at 1098
• File a complaint under the POCSO Act, which protects your identity
• Seek help from organisations like the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights or local child welfare committees

Police and cyber experts say that reporting early is very important — once the police step in, the blackmailer loses power.

Safety Tips for Girls in Relationships

Whether the relationship is online or offline, these simple steps can help keep you safe:

• Never share private or intimate photos or videos, even with someone you trust
• Do not meet alone in unknown places or travel to another city without informing family
• Keep your social media accounts private and avoid requests from strangers
• Use two-factor authentication and check your privacy settings regularly
• Treat threats or pressure as warning signs. Seek help immediately

Remember: You can withdraw consent at any time, and recording someone without permission is a serious crime under Indian law.

What Parents and Schools Can Do

Parents should keep an eye on their children’s online activity without invading their privacy. They should talk openly about online safety and encourage children to speak up if something feels wrong.

Schools should organise regular sessions to educate students about cyber safety and how online grooming works.

The Amravati case is a strong reminder that online “love traps” are real and can happen to anyone. Staying alert, understanding the warning signs, and knowing how to act quickly can help prevent such situations.

As the investigation continues, authorities have requested more victims to come forward, assuring them that their identity will be kept confidential.