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The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday conducted multiple raids at 76 locations across India including in Odisha.
As per preliminary reports, the raids are being conducted over online child sexual abuse and exploitation allegations. Sources said that searches are currently underway in 14 States and Union Territories in the country.
It is pertinent to mention here that the CBI had registered 23 separate cases on November 14, against total 83 accused on the allegations related to online child sexual abuse and exploitation.
In Odisha, the raids were conducted on the houses of two persons in Masudpur in Jajpur and Agarpada in Bhadrak district.
"Investigation is still on and teams are deployed at all the 76 places," said a senior CBI officer.
Apart from Odisha, the raids are being carried out in Andhra Pradesh , Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and others.
CBI as a National Central Bureau (Interpol-India) is uniquely placed to coordinate such matters having national and international ramifications. A Special Unit “Online Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Prevention/ Investigation (OCSAE)” was created in CBI for matters pertaining to online child sexual abuse and exploitation. Apart from coordination with various agencies, the unit is undertaking investigation of various offences relating to online child sexual abuse and exploitation.
A number of electronic gadgets, mobiles, laptops etc have so far been recovered during searches. It is revealed that some individuals were involved in trading of CSEM material.
As per the initial information collected there are more than 50 groups having more than 5000 offenders sharing child sexual abuse material. Many of these groups also have the involvement of foreign nationals. It is initially learnt that there may be involvement of nationals of around 100 countries spread across various continents. CBI is coordinating with sister agencies through formal and informal channels. Searches and development of further leads are underway.
With Agency Inputs.
