Thirteen Detained in Manipur Over Telegram Sharing of Explicit Content

Thirteen people, including a juvenile, were detained in Manipur after police said they circulated and monetised explicit videos and photos of local women on Telegram channels. An FIR was lodged at Moirang police station in Bishnupur district following a tip that administrators and users of several channels were sharing non‑consensual material, including child sexual abuse content. The probe, named Operation Dignity, led to the arrest of twelve adults and the detention of one juvenile. Arrests spanned Bishnupur, Imphal West and Kakching districts. Police also seized fourteen mobile phones during the raids. The seized devices are being examined for chat logs, payment records and additional media files. Police said they are also mapping how the channels earned money through subscriptions and direct payments. The investigation aims to locate any other perpetrators and provide support to the victims. Authorities warned that anyone found distributing such material will face strict penalties under the Information Technology Act. The operation reflects a broader effort by state police to curb online sexual exploitation in the Northeast region.

Context

The case highlights growing concerns over the misuse of encrypted messaging apps for illegal content distribution and the challenges faced by Indian law enforcement in tracking digital crime networks.