The Hunt For Child Predators

The Cbi's Specialised Unit Is Keeping An Eagle-like Vigil On The Internet And Other Web Services To Prevent And Probe The Online Sexual Abuse Of Children

- MUNISH CHANDRA PANDEY

SCENE I

Chandauli, Uttar Pradesh

It was Holi that day. March 17, 2022. This corner of the Far East of UP too thrilled to the bee-swarm of colours that swept the rest of the Gangetic plains. In Chandauli, Ajay Kumar Gupta, 35, looked like the regular man on the block-the generic 'uncleji' to neighbourhood kids like Deepu and Pawan (names changed), both 15. Lured by good food and Holi mithais, they entered his house. Spiked drinks followed, or perhaps beer. Once they were sufficiently off-kilter, Gupta ordered them to undress; then to touch and fondle each other...and, gradually, to scale it up to all sexual permutations possible. They were unaware all their actions were being recorded. After the videography was done, Gupta forced himself on the boys while they kept screaming in pain. They were too scared-this exploitation had been going on for three years, each time ending in dire threats and some trifling gifts. Later, Gupta sent the videos via WhatsApp and Telegram to his friend Ajit Kumar, an assistant loco pilot in Odisha's Rourkela, and also 35. Thus, he completed the circle, joining the primary economy of the paedophilic sexual hunt, like a black river, to the digital oceans out there.

SCENE II

Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu