Aizawl: The Mizoram State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MSCPCR) has called for the strictest legal action against a man recently arrested in connection with a disturbing case involving the sexual assault of a minor and the creation and dissemination of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Addressing the media on Tuesday, MSCPCR Chairperson Jimmy Laltlanmawia confirmed that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had apprehended the accused, identified as Lalrampana, on June 9. He is alleged to have sexually abused a minor and uploaded footage of the act online.
“The Commission expresses profound sorrow over this incident and strongly urges the authorities to ensure the accused receives the severest punishment permissible by law,” said Laltlanmawia.
Highlighting legal provisions, the MSCPCR chief emphasized that the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act imposes rigorous penalties for crimes involving minors, including online distribution of child abuse material. Convictions under the Act can result in a minimum of five years' imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹10 lakh, with harsher penalties for repeat offenses.
Laltlanmawia further expressed concern over the growing number of such cases in Mizoram and stressed the Commission’s commitment to preventing further incidents. He revealed that currently, there are 194 under-trial cases under the POCSO Act pending in courts across the state.
According to the CBI, the case against Lalrampana was uncovered through cyber intelligence, digital forensic analysis, and international collaboration. The agency registered the case on May 30 and conducted a raid at his residence in Aizawl on June 4, during which several incriminating digital devices were seized.
Subsequent forensic investigations uncovered a significant volume of graphic child abuse content. These findings were validated against Interpol's International Child Sexual Exploitation database and Cyber Tipline Reports provided by Google, which were shared with the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The CBI revealed that the accused had not only stored and distributed CSAM but had also allegedly threatened and assaulted a minor. The case was discovered suo motu by the agency, as neither the victim nor their family had reported the crime prior to the investigation.
The Commission reaffirmed its support for law enforcement efforts and stressed the need for vigilance and stronger safeguards to protect children from exploitation.
