Operation Megh Chakra [UPSC Notes]

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted a nationwide campaign code-named “Megh Chakra” against the dissemination and sharing of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). The searches were conducted following information provided by Interpol’s Singapore office, on the internet sale and distribution of material including that of child sexual assault.

From the perspective of the UPSC exam, topics relating to child sexual abuse and preventive measures/initiatives taken by the government are important.

Operation Megh Chakra

The campaign was one of the recent international operations run by the CBI (in September 2022) to respond quickly to online child sexual exploitation cases with international linkages.

• The goal of the operation was to gather data from various Indian law enforcement agencies and interact with counterparts internationally, and closely coordinate the investigation through Interpol channels.
• The agency carried out a similar operation known as “Operation Carbon” in November 2021, raiding the suspects in 13 States and one Union Territory.
• The CBI searched 59 locations as part of the operation, which was spread over 20 States and one Union Territory.
• A large number of Indian nationals are allegedly participating in the online distribution, download, and transmission of CSAM via cloud-based storage.
• In the course of the operation, over 50 people were examined, and the CBI filed two cases.

International Child Sexual Exploitation (ICSE) Image and Video Database

• International Child Sexual Exploitation (ICSE) image and video database by Interpol is an intelligence and investigative tool.
• It enables specialized investigators to exchange information on incidents of child sex abuse.
• CBI is also the nodal agency for the Interpol International Child Sexual Exploitation (ICSE) image and video database.

Image source: INTERPOL

Child Sexual Abuse in India

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) as “the involvement of a child in sexual activity that he or she does not fully comprehend, is unable to give informed consent to, or for which the child is not developmentally prepared and cannot give consent, or that violates the laws or social taboos of society”.

• Many crimes against children are not specifically recognized as crimes under the Indian Penal Code, including non-penetrative sexual assault, harassment, and exploitation.
• To curb the problem of child sexual abuse in India, the government compiled POCSO in 2012.

POCSO Act 2012:

• POCSO stands for the “Protection of Children Against Sexual Offenses Act 2012 .”
• With its enactment, India now has one of the most comprehensive laws that provides justice for children who are victims of sexual offenses while also taking the child’s best interests and overall well-being into account.
• Features of the POCSO Act 2012:
  • It places the burden of proof squarely on the accused.
  • POCSO Act is a gender-neutral legislation that prosecutes sexual offenses against both girls and boys under the age of 18 (regardless of the victim’s gender).
  • The POCSO Act guarantees punishment for all offenders, regardless of their age or gender.
  • When a sexual offense is committed by a person in a position of trust or authority, such as a police officer, member of the security forces, public employee, etc., the POCSO Act provides for a more severe penalty.
• The Act’s Section 13 addresses the use of children in media for sexual satisfaction, including the representation of a child’s sexual organs.
  • Sexually abusing a child in real or virtual ways – The use of a child for pornographic purposes is prohibited when the youngster is depicted in an indecent or offensive manner.

Read more on the POCSO Act in the linked article.

What can be done to prevent child sexual abuse?

• Participate in community-based preventative initiatives against child sexual abuse.
• Fast-tracking the investigative and judicial procedures.
• Providing assistance to victims of child abuse to minimise the trauma.
• Spread awareness among the masses about preventing child abuse.
• Report any suspected child abuse to the concerned authorities.

Operation Megh Chakra:- Download PDF Here

Read the previous PIB articles here.