Konch sexual abuse case: Nine more victims identified
What's the story
The UP Police has identified nine more victims, including seven minors, on the basis of data recovered from a laptop and other devices seized from an expelled BJP office-bearer arrested on charges of sexually exploiting two children, an official informed on Friday. "Efforts are on to contact these victims and record their statements," Station House Officer (SHO), Konch Police station, Imran Khan said.
Arrest
The former Vice-President of the BJP's Konch unit arrested
Ram Bihari Rathore, the former Vice-President of the BJP's Konch unit, was arrested on Wednesday on the basis of a complaint lodged by two children. "Soon after Rathore's arrest, his laptop, DVD, and hard disc were seized from his house. During their examination, nine more victims including seven minors and two women have been identified," Khan said.
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Statements of victims and their families will be recorded
"Efforts are on to contact these victims and their families. Their statements will be recorded," Khan said. "Their statements will be recorded in connection with the existing FIR against Rathore. No fresh case is being lodged as of now," he added.
Sexual abuse
Children alleged that Rathore sexually abused them in his office
In the investigation, Khan said, "No evidence has been found to suggest that the obscene material was being sold to any porn site or in the market." "Superintendent of Police Yesh Veer Singh had inspected Rathore's house and office," the SHO said. "The two children who had lodged the complaint had alleged that he used to sexually abuse them in his office," he added.
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How did the matter come to light?
Explaining how the matter came to light, Khan said, "A few days ago, Rathore had lodged a complaint with the police that his CCTV and digital video recorder (DVR) had been stolen. Later, two minors were apprehended with the equipment and questioned."
Videos
Videos showing sexual exploitation of children found on Rathore's laptop
"During investigation, obscene material was found on the DVR. The children who stole the equipment were being blackmailed by Rathore with obscene videos," Khan said. "15 to 20 videos were found on Rathore's laptop, DVD, and hard disc where he is seen sexually exploiting children," Khan added. "He would lure young children by offering money and made obscene videos to blackmail them," he said.