Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh is taking effective action against cybercrime, with the safety of women and children being accorded priority. In a significant achievement, the Uttar Pradesh Police has rescued 24 children trapped in online exploitation and harassment, taking an important step towards ensuring their safety and protection.
According to the Cyber Crime Department at the Uttar Pradesh Police Headquarters, the action was taken on the basis of information and complaints received at the national level. These included reports submitted through the cyber tipline of the US-based National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and cases reported on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. After analysing the information, the cases were forwarded to the concerned districts and police commissioners for necessary action.
DG 112 B.K. Singh said, “The Online Cybercrime Against Women and Children (OCWC) unit of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, analyses these complaints and forwards them to the concerned States and law enforcement agencies. The Uttar Pradesh Cyber Crime Headquarters also examines and analyses the information received before forwarding it to the respective districts for necessary action.”
At the district level, complaints and information are verified. If a cognisable offence is prima facie established, an FIR is registered in accordance with the prescribed procedure. The role of suspects is subsequently investigated on the basis of digital and other evidence.
Where sufficient evidence is available, the accused are arrested and charge sheets are filed before the competent court. Necessary steps are also taken to ensure the safety and protection of the affected children.
Under a Memorandum of Understanding between NCMEC and the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, effective from April 1, 2024, cyber tipline reports related to India are directly received by I4C. Complaints regarding online crimes against women and children are also received through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Victims can lodge complaints on the portal while keeping their identities confidential.
The Uttar Pradesh Police is acting against such crimes through the use of technical inputs, coordination at the district level and due legal process. The rescue of 24 children under this mechanism is a significant achievement.
According to the police, cybercriminals often exploit children by concealing their identities or taking advantage of neighbourhood, family and social relationships. In some cases, children are blackmailed using their objectionable photographs and videos. Digital platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Telegram, Snapchat and Gmail may also be used to circulate such material.
These crimes can have serious consequences for children’s physical and mental health. Therefore, vigilance, timely reporting, investigation and ensuring protection for victims are essential.
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