A multi-state manhunt is underway after a Meerut man allegedly auctioned obscene videos of minors on Telegram for lakhs. How extensive is this secret network, and who else is involved? Police are racing to uncover the shocking digital crime ring.
Obscene video auction on Telegram sparks police investigation
Meerut: A multi-state police investigation has uncovered an alleged online racket involving the sale and auction of obscene videos of minor girls through a Telegram channel, with a Meerut-based man identified as the prime accused. Authorities say the operation functioned like a digital marketplace, exploiting encrypted platforms to evade detection.
The accused, identified as Amit Jain, a resident of the Bagpat Gate area in Meerut, is alleged to have operated a Telegram channel named “Lucifer.” According to investigators, the channel displayed thumbnails of explicit videos in a catalogue-style format.
Interested buyers could browse the content, negotiate prices, and participate in auctions, with some videos reportedly selling for amounts running into lakhs of rupees.
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The case came to light in September 2025 when Dehradun Police detected links to obscene content during an investigation on a cyber portal. A detailed digital trail led authorities to Amit Jain, prompting the Brahmpuri police station in Meerut to register an FIR. Following this, local police launched a manhunt after Jain allegedly switched off his mobile phone and went underground to avoid arrest.
Circle Officer Brahmpuri Soumya Asthana said the investigation, conducted with cybercrime teams, revealed multiple transactions linked to the accused. Chat records recovered from the Telegram channel reportedly show detailed negotiations between Jain and buyers, with the accused claiming the videos were “original.” Investigators believe these conversations form crucial evidence in the case.
Authorities suspect the operation extended beyond Uttar Pradesh. Tamil Nadu Police traced around ₹20,000 deposited into Jain’s bank account about a month ago, allegedly as payment for illegal videos sold in the state. The account has since been frozen, and investigators are pursuing leads to identify Jain’s associates.
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Preliminary findings suggest Jain did not act alone. Police believe multiple individuals may have assisted in managing social media accounts and facilitating transactions. Law enforcement agencies from Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Tamil Nadu are coordinating efforts to dismantle the suspected network.
Superintendent of Police (City) Ayush Vikram Singh confirmed that cyber units have been instructed to intensify monitoring of accounts linked to the accused and to track similar platforms to prevent further exploitation.
Although the Telegram channel has been suspended, police say the investigation is ongoing, with a focus on identifying victims, arresting those involved, and preventing the resurgence of such illegal online activities.
