Junior UP Engineer, Wife Get Death Penalty For Sexually Exploiting Minors, Selling Videos Abroad

Last Updated:February 20, 2026, 19:25 IST

The couple had been convicted on February 18 following a lengthy trial based on digital evidence, medical reports, and testimonies of multiple victims.

How did a junior engineer posted in Uttar Pradesh’s irrigation department turn into the kingpin of an international child sexual abuse racket? The answer emerged in a Banda courtroom on Friday, where a POCSO court, in one of the most disturbing child sexual abuse case, awarded the death penalty to Ram Bhavan and his wife Durgawati for sexually exploiting minors and selling their videos on the dark web to international buyers.

The convicts — Rambhavan, a junior engineer in the irrigation department posted in Chitrakoot, and his wife Durgavati — were ordered to be “hanged till death" by Special POCSO Judge Pradeep Kumar Mishra.

The court observed that the crime fell within the “rarest of rare" category due to its brutality, premeditation, and international ramifications.

The couple had been convicted on February 18 following a lengthy trial based on digital evidence, medical reports, and testimonies of multiple victims.

ALSO READ: POCSO Victims Nearly Double In 7 Years As Sexual Offences Against Kids Rise Faster Than Overall Crime

How The Case Began

The case dates back to October 2020, when the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) received inputs from INTERPOL regarding the circulation of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) linked to an Indian phone number. Acting on this intelligence, the CBI registered an FIR on October 31, 2020.

On November 17, 2020, Rambhavan was arrested. His wife Durgavati was also taken into custody after investigators found evidence of her involvement. According to the prosecution, the couple targeted children from economically weaker backgrounds in Banda, Chitrakoot, and surrounding districts.

They allegedly lured minors aged between 5 and 16 years with inducements and gifts. The court was told that the children were sexually assaulted and the acts were recorded using a laptop camera and mobile devices. These videos and photographs were then uploaded and distributed through the dark web to international networks.

Digital Trail And Evidence

During the investigation, the CBI recovered a pen drive containing 34 videos and 679 photographs of minors. Digital forensic analysis linked the content directly to the accused. Investigators also found that the material had been shared with buyers in 47 countries, including China, the United States, Brazil, and Afghanistan.

The charge sheet, running into nearly 700 pages, was filed 88 days after the arrests. It included medical examination reports of the victims, statements from children and witnesses, and digital evidence establishing the online distribution network.

In total, 74 witnesses were examined during the trial. The CBI recorded statements from individuals aged between 4 and 42 years to build a comprehensive case.

Advocate Kamal Singh, associated with the POCSO court proceedings, said the case was initiated after international intelligence inputs flagged suspicious online activity.

“The investigation revealed a systematic pattern of abuse and online dissemination. The digital evidence was crucial in securing the conviction," he said.

ALSO READ: ‘Survivors Of Child Abuse Not To Be Re-Traumatised’: SC Rejects Convict’s Plea In POCSO Case

Role Of Wife And Attempt To Influence Witnesses

While Rambhavan was found directly involved in the sexual assaults and recording of videos, Durgavati was also held equally responsible. The court noted that she not only participated in the exploitation but also attempted to pressure witnesses and facilitate compromise efforts during the investigation.

The prosecution said that the involvement of both parents-like figures in such crimes deepened the psychological trauma of the victims and demonstrated a calculated and sustained pattern of abuse.

Court’s Observations

Pronouncing the sentence, Judge Pradeep Kumar Mishra said the offence was extremely heinous and had a far-reaching impact on society.

“The acts committed by the accused are of such a grave nature that they strike at the very foundation of societal morality and the safety of children. This court finds it appropriate to award the maximum punishment," the judge observed.

The court further directed the District Magistrate to ensure that each identified victim receives Rs 10 lakh as compensation for rehabilitation and medical support. Some of the affected children reportedly underwent treatment at AIIMS, New Delhi, for physical and psychological trauma.

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