Cases registered against social media accounts for revealing POCSO victim’s identity

Pet Basheerabad police registered fresh cases against social media users and administrators for allegedly circulating photos, videos and personal details of a minor involved in a POCSO case. Police warned that revealing identities of child victims is punishable under law.

Hyderabad: The Pet Basheerabad police have registered a fresh case against several social media users and account handlers for allegedly sharing photos, videos and personal details of a minor girl involved in a POCSO case.

The case was booked following a complaint lodged by the Child Welfare Committee chairperson of Medchal-Malkajgiri district.

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According to the police, the complaint pertains to the circulation of the victim’s images, videos and details of her parents in connection with an FIR registered under the POCSO Act. Based on the complaint, another case was registered under provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the POCSO Act.

Officials said Instagram and Facebook account IDs, along with the related URLs used to spread the content, had been identified and forwarded to the authorities concerned to trace those operating the accounts and initiate legal action.

Separate cases have also been filed against social media administrators who published the minor’s details.

Police appealed to the public and social media users not to disclose the identity or family details of children involved in POCSO cases, warning that such acts cause severe distress to victims and their families and attract legal action.