Mumbai: Authorities in Maharashtra have arrested a man for allegedly sexually exploiting at least 180 minor girls and filming more than 350 obscene videos, following swift police action triggered by a complaint from a BJP MP.
The accused, Mohammad Ayaz, also known as Tanveer and a resident of Paratwada town in Amravati district, reportedly lured the victims into what has been described as a “love trap.” He allegedly transported some of them to Mumbai and Pune, where he recorded the explicit videos.
According to investigators, these videos were then used to blackmail the girls, coercing them into prostitution. Several of the recordings were also circulated widely on the internet.
The minors were reportedly targeted systematically through WhatsApp and Snapchat groups. The case came to light after Rajya Sabha MP Anil Bonde submitted a memorandum to Superintendent of Police (Rural) Vishal Anand, highlighting the scale of the alleged crimes. Bonde further warned that protests would be staged outside the SP’s office if a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was not formed.
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In a notable development, members of the local Muslim community visited the police station to urge strict action against the accused, expressing concern that the incident could damage the community’s image.
Ayaz had previously served as an office-bearer of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM). Images and videos on his social media accounts showed him receiving a letter from the party’s Amravati president, Haji Irfan Khan, and participating in MIM rallies. Several such posts were reportedly deleted from his Instagram account after the case emerged.
Police acted promptly on the complaint, arresting Ayaz in Amravati. He was produced before a local court and remanded in police custody for seven days. Officers seized his mobile phone, which sources say contains multiple objectionable videos.
Investigators are now examining whether the accused shared the material with friends or a larger criminal network. The Cyber Cell is assisting in tracing and probing videos that were uploaded online.
This case has sent shockwaves through the region, underscoring concerns over the safety of minors and the misuse of social media platforms for exploitation.