The National Commission for Women (NCW) on Wednesday took suo motu cognisance of a disturbing case of alleged sexual exploitation involving women and minor girls in Maharashtra’s Kolhapur, and has asked the state police to submit a detailed action taken report within seven days.
The intervention comes amid allegations that a 22-year-old man used social media to befriend women and minor girls, sexually exploited them, recorded explicit videos, and later used the material to threaten and coerce victims. Officials say the pattern points to the possibility of a wider network, raising concerns beyond an isolated crime.
What NCW has directed in the Kolhapur case
In a statement, the Commission said, “The Commission has strongly condemned these heinous acts, stating that such exploitation causes severe physical and psychological trauma and creates fear and insecurity among women and families. The incident also raises serious concerns about digital safety and cyber monitoring.”
The NCW Chairperson has directed the Maharashtra Director General of Police to ensure strict action under relevant laws, including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the POCSO Act, and the IT Act. The directions include identification of all victims, arrest of all accused and accomplices, removal of objectionable content from online platforms, and a thorough cyber forensic investigation.
The Commission has also sought details on victim protection measures such as counselling, medical aid, rehabilitation support, and steps being taken to prevent similar exploitation networks in the future.
How the alleged exploitation unfolded
According to officials, the accused, identified as Shahid Sameer Sanadi from Hatkanangle taluka in Kolhapur, allegedly gained victims’ trust through social media interactions. He is accused of taking them to lodges in Kolhapur and nearby Shiroli, where he allegedly sexually assaulted them and secretly recorded videos.
Investigators said the videos were later circulated among his associates and used as a tool for intimidation. Investigators say the accused kept the victims under constant threat, warning them that the videos would be leaked if they spoke to anyone. That fear, police believe, trapped them in a cycle of silence and continued abuse.
A local court has remanded the accused to four days in police custody.
The case has surfaced soon after a similar arrest in Amravati involving the sexual exploitation of minor girls, adding to growing worries about how social media and digital tools are being misused in such crimes.