Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) launched Operation Hawk 2025 to crack down on online child sexual exploitation networks with international linkages, based on inputs from the USA.
Operation Hawk 2025 Highlights
- Launched by: Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
- Nature of crime: Online child sexual exploitation through social media platform Discord
- Victims: Minor girls from the United States
- Investigation conducted by: International Operations Division of CBI
Legal Action Taken
CBI registered a case under the following laws:
- Section 506 of IPC: Criminal intimidation
- Section 66D of IT Act, 2000: Impersonation using computer resources
- Sections 11 & 12 of POCSO Act, 2012: Sexual harassment of children and related offences
Past Similar Operations by CBI
- Operation Carbon (2021): Targeted cross-border online child abuse networks
- Operation Megh Chakra (2022): Focused on tracing and prosecuting global conspirators in online child exploitation cases
Significance of Operation Hawk 2025
- Reinforces India’s zero tolerance policy towards child sexual abuse
- Demonstrates global cooperation in tackling cyber-enabled crimes
- Strengthens cross-border cybercrime tracking and legal enforcement
- Highlights the importance of data sharing between countries for child protection
Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012
- Objective: Ensure safety and protection of children (under 18) from sexual offences
- Types of Offences:
- Sexual Assault
- Sexual Harassment
- Use of a child for pornography
- Key Features:
- Child-friendly procedures in investigation and trial
- Fast-Track Special Courts for efficient case disposal
- 2019 Amendment: Introduced death penalty for severe sexual crimes against children
- Interim compensation for child rehabilitation
Supporting Legal Frameworks for Child Protection
| Law/Policy | Purpose |
| Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000 (Amended 2008) | Identifies offences against children online |
| IT Rules, 2021 | Mandates blocking CSEAM (Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Material); requires content moderation tools |
| Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 | Defines and protects children in vulnerable or exploitative situations |
| Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) | Chapter V addresses sexual crimes against women and children |
| National Action Plan for Children, 2016 | Framework for protecting children from sexual and other offences |
| UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) | India is a signatory; aligns national laws with international child protection standards |