AMRAVATI — In a case that has sent shockwaves across Maharashtra, the Amravati Rural Police have Mohammad Ayaz arrested for allegedly exploiting over 180 minor girls. The 19-year-old resident of Paratwada city, also known as Ayan Ahmed Tanveer, reportedly recorded more than 350 obscene videos of his victims. Authorities believe he used these recordings for systematic blackmail and intimidation. Following a massive public outcry and a formal complaint by Rajya Sabha MP Anil Bonde, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) is now investigating the full extent of this digital predatory network.
The investigation reveals that Ayaz allegedly targeted young girls through social media platforms like WhatsApp and Snapchat. By gaining their trust, he reportedly lured them into relationships before taking them to cities like Mumbai and Pune. According to police sources, he filmed the victims without their consent and later used the footage to coerce them into further exploitation. While authorities have officially confirmed eight victims so far, the recovered digital evidence suggests the scale could reach nearly 200 survivors.
Digital Predator Exposed: The Role of Social Media in the Scandal
The Mohammad Ayaz arrested report highlights a dangerous trend of digital grooming in regional towns. Ayaz allegedly operated several private groups to identify and stalk vulnerable minors. Forensic teams are currently working to retrieve deleted data from his seized mobile phone. This data reportedly contains hundreds of objectionable clips that were used as leverage to silence the victims and their families.
Moreover, the police have arrested a second individual, Ujer Khan Iqbal Khan, for his alleged role in the syndicate. Khan is accused of downloading and circulating nearly 100 of these obscene videos online. The involvement of multiple individuals suggests a broader organized network rather than a lone actor. Consequently, the SIT is probing whether these videos were being traded or sold on secondary platforms to generate illicit revenue.
Also Read : TCS Nashik Suspends Seven Muslim Employees Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations
Administrative Crackdown and Public Unrest in Achalpur
The gravity of the allegations led to widespread unrest in the twin towns of Paratwada and Achalpur. In response, local authorities took the extraordinary step of using a JCB machine to demolish portions of the accused’s residence. This action targeted alleged illegal encroachments on the property as a form of immediate administrative deterrent. Meanwhile, the district administration deployed additional police forces to maintain law and order amid calls for a regional shutdown.
Rajya Sabha MP Anil Bonde played a pivotal role in bringing the matter to light. He submitted a detailed memorandum to Superintendent of Police (Rural) Vishal Anand, demanding the strictest possible action under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The accused has been booked under multiple sections involving aggravated penetrative sexual assault. Currently, Ayaz remains in police custody until April 21, 2026, as the SIT records the statements of the survivors.
Ensuring Justice and Survivor Support
To encourage more survivors to step forward, the Amravati Police have set up special contact points. These are managed exclusively by female officers to ensure a safe and confidential environment. Authorities have guaranteed that the identities of all complainants will remain strictly protected throughout the legal process. This support system is critical for dismantling the culture of fear that Ayaz and his associates allegedly built over several months.
The Mohammad Ayaz arrested case serves as a grim reminder for parents to monitor the digital footprints of minors. Legal experts suggest that if the blackmail charges are proven alongside the sexual exploitation claims, the accused could face life imprisonment. As the SIT continues its forensic audit, the community awaits a trial that could set a significant precedent for cyber-enabled crimes against children in India.