In a stark reminder of the dangers lurking in the digital world, the Delhi High Court denied anticipatory bail to a man accused of exploiting a minor girl through Instagram, underscoring the grave misuse of technology to target vulnerable individuals.
The accused allegedly coerced the victim into explicit video interactions, secretly recorded the exchanges, and then used the material to blackmail her repeatedly. The allegations, which form the basis of an ongoing investigation, reflect an alarming pattern of predatory behavior facilitated by the anonymity and reach of social media platforms.
Justice Amit Mahajan, presiding over the case, noted the severity of the accusations and emphasized the societal responsibility to protect minors from such acts. “The allegations are not only a violation of the victim’s dignity but also a manifestation of a troubling misuse of technology that has far-reaching implications,” the Court remarked.
The High Court highlighted that granting bail at this stage could set a dangerous precedent, potentially weakening the protective framework designed to shield children from such heinous offenses. Referring to the broader societal context, the Court emphasized the need for robust deterrents against the exploitation of technology for sexual crimes.
The minor had filed a formal complaint alleging coercion, exploitation, and blackmail for pornographic purposes. The accused, after facing rejection of his plea in the Sessions Court, approached the High Court seeking relief, which was unequivocally denied.
This decision underscores the judiciary’s firm stance against crimes exploiting minors and the urgent need to address the misuse of digital platforms in perpetuating such offenses.
