In a deeply disturbing case from Maharashtra’s Amravati district, police have arrested a 19-year-old boy accused of sexually exploiting over 180 girls, including minors, and circulating nearly 350 obscene videos on social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Snapchat.
The accused, identified as Ayan Ahmed Tanveer Ahmed, was apprehended by the Paratwada police and has been remanded to police custody till April 21 by a local court. The case has triggered widespread outrage, with investigators suspecting the involvement of a larger organised racket.
Modus Operandi: Luring, Abuse, Recording and Blackmail
According to police sources, the accused lured girls into relationships through social media platforms. Once trust was established, he reportedly sexually assaulted them and recorded the acts without consent.
These videos were then allegedly used as tools of blackmail, with threats of making them viral. Many of these videos were eventually circulated online, further compounding the trauma of victims.
Investigators revealed that in several videos, the accused is clearly visible, and there are strong suspicions that at least one accomplice may have been involved in filming the acts.
Scale of Crime: Hundreds of Videos, Dozens of Confirmed Victims
Authorities estimate that nearly 350 videos were circulated, while the number of victims could exceed 180. However, as of now, only seven victims have been officially confirmed through video evidence and screenshots.
Rajya Sabha MP Dr Anil Bonde, who raised the issue with Maharashtra Police, stated: “There are around 180 victims, the majority Hindus. Some victims are Muslims. Some of the victims are minors.”
He added that he formally lodged a complaint as victims have not come forward due to fear and social stigma.
A major challenge in the investigation is the reluctance of victims and their families to file formal complaints, largely due to social taboo and fear of public exposure.
Amravati Rural Superintendent of Police Vishal Anand, who is personally overseeing the investigation, appealed to victims to come forward: “We want the victims to come forward with complaints. We will maintain confidentiality and identities will be protected. The complainants will only have to meet two persons: a lady investigation officer and a judge for recording of statements.”
He further assured that the state would provide legal and counselling support to victims and their families.
Possibility of a Larger Network
Police have not ruled out the involvement of multiple accused. SP Anand confirmed: “We are investigating whether more than one accused is involved in the case.”
Echoing similar concerns, Dr Bonde said: “Let me tell you, it is not about one or two persons being involved. There seems to be an organised racket.”
The investigation is now focusing on uncovering potential accomplices, digital evidence, and the wider network behind the circulation of these videos.
Cyber Cell Steps in, Social Media Under Watch
With videos spreading rapidly across platforms, the cyber cell has initiated action to remove objectionable content and track those sharing it.
SP Anand stated: “Police are monitoring posts of those who downloaded videos and are recirculating it.”
Authorities warned that individuals found sharing or possessing such content could face legal action.
The incident has drawn attention at the highest levels of the state government. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the Home portfolio, has directed police to take suo motu action based on available evidence.
Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule confirmed the seriousness of the case, stating: “I have spoken with DGP, since this is a big issue. There are many dimensions to this case, which cannot be mentioned in the media today. We will investigate and take action against the accused.”
The accused is also reportedly linked to a political party, adding another layer of complexity to the investigation.
Regions Affected: Paratwada, Achalpur and Beyond
The scandal has particularly shaken the adjoining towns of Paratwada and Achalpur, located around 180 km from Nagpur. Reports indicate that victims belong to Paratwada, Chikaldhara, and nearby areas.
The scale and spread of the case have intensified concerns about the safety of young girls in semi-urban and rural regions, especially in the context of unchecked social media interactions.
Police are currently examining the accused’s mobile phone and digital footprint to gather further evidence. Technical analysis is underway to establish the full extent of the crime and identify all victims and accomplices.
Inspector Suresh Mhaske of Paratwada police station said: “We have to establish the case technically.”
With mounting pressure from political leaders and the public, authorities are expected to expand the probe significantly in the coming days.
