‘Will not tolerate’: Odisha announces task force to probe child abuse material

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has said it will form a special task force to look into cases of child sexual abuse material.

In a statement on Monday, the government said it will implement the Supreme Court ruling that viewing and downloading child abuse material can be a criminal offense under the Protection of children from sexual crimes (POCSO) Act, 2012.

The state reaffirms its commitment to upholding strict legal frameworks aimed at eliminating sexual exploitation of children in all its forms, the statement said.

“The state will improve coordination with law enforcement agencies to effectively combat the distribution and consumption of child abuse material. This includes the establishment of special task forces to investigate and prosecute such crimes,” the report said.

“The historic decision sends a strong message that the state will not tolerate any form of sexual exploitation of children. It reinforces the responsibility of every citizen to protect our children and ensure their safety and well-being,” it added.

In accordance with the recommendations of the Supreme Court, the state will invest in comprehensive support services for victims of child abuseand provide them with the care and resources they need to recover, the statement said.

The government is calling on the public to report suspicious activities to protect vulnerable children.

In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court held that mere possession of child pornography material constitutes a punishable offence under the POCSO and IT Acts, even if the material is not further disseminated.