Amravati sex scandal: How a flat turned into a hub of abuse of 200 minors

A nondescript flat in Maharashtra's Amravati has emerged as the chilling epicentre of a sprawling sex scandal involving nearly 200 minors, with neighbours now describing it as nothing short of a “den of vice.”

Located on the third floor of a residential building in the Katora Naka area, the flat was allegedly used by the accused, Ayan Ahmed Tanveer Ahmed, as a base to film and circulate obscene videos, triggering outrage and fear among locals.

Neighbours say the suspicious activity in the flat had been going on for months, if not longer, but their repeated concerns were ignored -- allowing what they claim was a hub of exploitation to function unchecked within a residential society.

LATE-NIGHT MOVEMENTS RAISE ALARM

Residents of the building recall a steady stream of young men and women visiting the flat at odd hours. Shrikant Makkeshwar, who lives on the second floor of the building, said the pattern was impossible to ignore.

“Young girls, often aged around 18-19, used to come here and stay till late at night. We grew suspicious and informed the flat owner, but she ignored it,” he told India Today.

According to Makkeshwar, many of the visitors concealed their identities by wearing burqas or covering their faces with dupattas, making it difficult for neighbours to recognise them. The secrecy, coupled with the frequency of visits, deepened suspicions that something illegal was taking place inside.

OWNER IGNORED WARNINGS

Despite multiple complaints from residents, no action was taken by the flat’s owner, a point that has now become a major source of anger in the building.

Makkeshwar alleged that the owner’s inaction may have enabled the accused to continue his activities. “Those involved in such acts must face stringent punishment. The flat owner should also be made an accused, as she took no action despite repeated complaints. It is possible she may also be involved,” he said.

Residents say the incident has shattered their sense of safety and raised concerns about the impact such activities could have on children and families living in the society.

POLICE SEAL KEY LOCATION

The case took a dramatic turn when a police team arrived at the flat recently. By then, however, a man identified as Manav -- who had been staying there -- had reportedly locked the premises and fled.

The police have since cordoned off the flat, treating it as a crucial crime scene where obscene videos were allegedly shot. Investigators believe the apartment played a central role in the production and distribution of illicit content.

EIGHT ARRESTED IN PROBE

So far, eight individuals have been arrested in connection with the case, which involves the circulation of obscene video clips and photographs of minor girls on social media platforms.

Amravati (Rural) Superintendent of Police Vishal Anand said the investigation began after such videos surfaced online on April 11. Acting on leads, police arrested Ayan on April 13. He has been remanded in custody till April 21.

According to police, Ayan allegedly recorded and shared the videos with his associate Ujer Iqbal Khan, who then circulated them further. The other accused have also been identified and arrested for their roles in the distribution network.

Investigators have seized a laptop, a tablet and a hard disk from one of the accused, along with five mobile phones that have been sent for forensic analysis to recover deleted data.

SCALE OF EXPLOITATION PROBED

While police have so far identified eight confirmed survivors, local claims suggest the scale could be far larger, with allegations that around 180 girls may have been targeted and over 350 videos recorded.

The case has been registered under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and the Information Technology Act.

A Special Investigation Team comprising 10 officers and 35 personnel has been formed to probe the case.

SURVIVORS URGED TO COME FORWARD

Police have appealed to survivors and their families to come forward and record statements, assuring complete confidentiality and protection.

Officials said that if survivors are uncomfortable visiting a police station, designated personnel in civil clothes will meet them at a location of their choice.

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