19-year-old arrested for sexually exploiting over 180 minor girls

In a shocking case that has sent ripples across Maharashtra, police in Amravati district have arrested a 19-year-old youth for allegedly luring over 180 minor girls into a “love trap,” sexually exploiting them, secretly filming obscene videos, and blackmailing them into further sexual acts, including forcing some into sex work.
More than 350 pornographic videos involving the victims were allegedly found on his mobile phone.
The accused, identified as Mohammad Ayaz, also known as Tanveer or Ayan Ahmed Tanveer, a resident of Paratwada (Bharadwada area) in Amravati district, is said to have targeted young girls, many under 18, through social media platforms like WhatsApp and Snapchat.
He reportedly befriended them at coaching centres, video game parlours, and cafes, impressed them with expensive gifts and outings, and took some to Mumbai and Pune where the alleged exploitation occurred.
The videos were then used to blackmail the victims and, in some cases, circulated online.
Police acted swiftly after a complaint was filed by BJP Rajya Sabha MP Anil Bonde, who submitted a memorandum highlighting the gravity of the case and raised concerns about a possible larger organised racket. The accused was arrested and produced before a local court, which remanded him to seven days of police custody for further interrogation.
According to preliminary investigation, the confiscated mobile phone of the accused contained over 350 obscene videos involving around 180 girls.
Police have appealed to victims and their families to come forward, assuring complete confidentiality and privacy. The case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and the Information Technology (IT) Act. In a parallel development, local civic authorities carried out “bulldozer action” and demolished the illegal encroached portion of Mohammad Ayaz’s one-storey house in the Paratwada area.
Officials from the Achalpur Municipal Council used a JCB machine to raze parts of the structure, including outer portions and an iron staircase, after issuing prior notices for illegal construction on public land. The demolition was conducted in the presence of heavy police security.
The incident has triggered widespread outrage in the region. Police have formed teams to examine digital evidence, recover deleted data, and probe whether other accomplices were involved.
Authorities are also checking CCTV footage from hotels and other locations mentioned in the probe.
This case has once again highlighted concerns over the safety of minor girls on social media and the misuse of digital platforms for grooming and exploitation. Further investigation is underway.