A 23-year-old staff member of a private coaching institute in Kamptee, near Nagpur, has been booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act for allegedly sending obscene photographs and videos to minor students preparing for competitive examinations.
The alleged incidents took place between July 1 and 31 and came to light on November 13, when Child Helpline 1098 received a complaint from a student. The student alleged that the woman had sent him and several other students photographs and videos of herself.
Following the complaint, District Child Protection Officer Mushtak Pathan ordered an inquiry. Case Supervisor Pooja Kamble and team member Meenakshi Dhadade collected details during the inquiry and filed a complaint at Old Kamptee police station on November 14, according to the report.
Police have recorded statements from people connected with the matter and are gathering further evidence, Zonal Deputy Commissioner of Police Ramesh Dhumal said. Officers are also working to identify all minors who may have received the material.
Photographs and videos were found during the verification process, the report said. Police are investigating whether the circulation was linked to a wider sextortion racket and are trying to establish how widely the material was shared. An officer from Old Kamptee police station said investigators were examining the full extent of the circulation and identifying affected minors.
The material is alleged to have circulated among students and other young people from July onwards, with some recipients sharing it further. Investigators are examining the sequence of events, the motive behind the alleged distribution, the number of minors involved and whether other people participated in the circulation.
The case also highlights the safeguarding responsibilities of private coaching institutions, where students often interact with staff outside formal school systems. The investigation will determine the nature of the alleged communication, the identity and age of all affected students, and whether any additional offences or networks are involved.
Police have not announced the final number of minors affected or confirmed the suspected sextortion angle. Further action will follow after statements are recorded and digital and other evidence is examined, Dhumal said.
