Imphal: Manipur Police have arrested 13 people, including a minor, in a crackdown on Telegram networks allegedly involved in circulating and trading non-consensual explicit images and videos of women, including child sexual abuse material.
The operation, code-named Operation Dignity, targeted multiple Telegram channels and groups allegedly used to distribute and monetise such content. According to a police statement issued on Tuesday, the operation led to the seizure of 14 mobile phones and a laptop suspected to have been used in the illegal activities.
Police launched the operation after receiving intelligence about a network of administrators and users allegedly involved in sharing and trading the material through the messaging platform.
Of the 13 people arrested, 12 are adults aged between 18 and 34, while one has been classified as a child in conflict with the law (CCL).
The adult suspects are from several districts of Manipur. Five are from Bishnupur, four from Imphal West, two from Kakching and one from Thoubal, according to the information provided by the police.
The individuals identified in connection with the operation are:
- N. Rajesh Singh alias Maipakchao, 21, from Bishnupur
- H. Dhanajit Singh alias Taison, 19, from Bishnupur
- S. Saphaba Singh, 19, from Imphal West
- Th. Cavendish Singh alias Ingocha, 21, from Kakching
- H. Rojit Singh, 19, from Bishnupur
- M. Clinton Singh, 28, from Bishnupur
- Kh. Bipin Singh, 31, from Thoubal
- One minor, classified as a child in conflict with the law
- S. Simpson Singh, 34, from Imphal West
- A. Aria Singh, 24, from Bishnupur
- S. Alexander Singh, 31, from Kakching
- K. Rakesh Singh, 18, from Imphal West
- Ch. Robert Singh, 27, from Imphal West
Police said the adult suspects had been handed over to their respective local police stations for further legal proceedings. The minor will be dealt with under the applicable juvenile justice procedures.
Investigators are continuing to examine the wider network, including the alleged financial transactions linked to the circulation of the material and the possibility of additional victims.
The investigation is ongoing, and the allegations against the arrested individuals remain subject to due process of law.