HT Digital
Monday, October 14: In a significant breakthrough, the Arunachal Pradesh Police (APP) have successfully cracked a cybercrime case involving the creation and distribution of a fake pornographic video. The video, which used a local girl’s image and digitally manipulated it into an explicit scene, was widely circulated across social media platforms, particularly on the Telegram app. According to Naharlagun Superintendent of Police (SP), Mihin Gambo, two youths have been arrested in connection with the crime, following swift and decisive action by the police.
The victim, a student currently residing in Guwahati, was shocked to discover that her image had been altered and used in a pornographic video. The video was being circulated on various social media platforms, causing her immense mental distress. The girl began receiving disturbing messages from both acquaintances and strangers, who questioned her character and integrity based on the manipulated video. Unable to cope with the ongoing harassment, the victim made the brave decision to report the incident to the authorities.
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She filed a formal complaint with the Naharlagun police station, detailing the cybercrime and its impact on her mental well-being. In response, the police swiftly registered a case under relevant sections of the law and launched an investigation. The case was a serious concern, as it not only involved the violation of the victim’s privacy but also the exploitation of her image for monetary gain.
A special police team, led by Inspector K Dev, Officer-in-Charge of Naharlagun Police Station, and supported by Sub-Inspectors Niri Rama and Vivek Linggi, was formed to investigate the matter. The operation was conducted under the supervision of Naharlagun Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Paul Jerang. Combining advanced technical analysis with traditional investigative techniques, the team managed to identify and apprehend the two individuals responsible for the crime.
The primary accused, identified as 22-year-old Tai Tacha, was the mastermind behind the creation of the fake pornographic video. Using the victim’s photo, which was sourced from her Instagram account, Tacha digitally altered the image to fabricate obscene content. He then shared the video on a Telegram group under the name “Arunachal Girl’s VIP,” where it was available for purchase. Interested buyers were required to make payments using a QR code, allowing Tacha to monetize the exploitative content.
The second accused, identified as 24-year-old Hillang John, provided his QR code for receiving the payments from those who purchased the video. Both individuals are college students from Arunachal Pradesh. According to the police, the pair had orchestrated the scheme to earn money by taking advantage of social media platforms and the ease of online transactions.
Once the police team identified the accused, they tracked their movements and successfully arrested both Tacha and John in Naharlagun on Friday. The investigation revealed that Tacha had created a fake Telegram account using a local name to hide his identity. He then distributed the manipulated video to individuals who paid via the QR code linked to John’s account. The evidence against the two was strong, as the images used in the video were traced back to the victim’s social media account, and the monetary transactions clearly linked the suspects to the crime.
The arrested youths have been produced before the Judicial Magistrate First Class in Yupia, where they were remanded to police custody for further interrogation. The police are continuing their investigation to uncover any additional details about the extent of the crime and whether other individuals were involved in circulating the video or facilitating the transactions.
The case has brought to light the growing concern of cybercrimes, particularly those involving the exploitation of personal images and videos. In this digital age, social media platforms have become both a boon and a potential threat to privacy, with many individuals unknowingly falling victim to such malicious acts. The Arunachal Pradesh Police have been commended for their swift action in bringing the perpetrators to justice and setting an example of zero tolerance for crimes involving cyber exploitation.
The Naharlagun SP, Mihin Gambo, urged the public to remain vigilant about their online presence and to report any suspicious activities immediately. He emphasized the importance of protecting one’s personal information and images on social media platforms to prevent them from being misused. The police also highlighted the need for greater awareness around cyber safety, particularly among young people, who are often more vulnerable to such exploitation.
The victim in this case showed tremendous courage by reporting the crime, despite the emotional trauma she endured. The support and prompt action from the police have given her some relief, though the long-term impact of such an invasion of privacy may take time to heal.
The case serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by cybercrime and the importance of responsible digital behavior. With increasing access to technology and the internet, law enforcement agencies are continually adapting their methods to tackle such crimes effectively. The arrest of the two accused is a significant step toward justice, but it also underscores the need for continued vigilance and public awareness in combating cyber exploitation.
