CBI forms unit to check online child abuse cases

Online Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Prevention/Investigation Unit will function under the agency's Special Crime Zone in Delhi.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has set up an Online Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (OCSAE) Prevention/Investigation Unit.

It will also probe such offences covered under various provisions of the IPC, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and the Information Technology Act, apart from other relevant laws.

The unit, which will function under the agency's Special Crime Zone in Delhi, will collect and disseminate information on online child sexual abuse and exploitation.

“Numerous references related to dissemination of CSAM [Child Sexual Abuse Material] are received from the Interpol and other national/international organisations. The incidence of online child sexual abuse and exploitation generally transcends international borders,” said the agency, adding that the unit's territorial jurisdiction would be throughout the country.