Kerala Police intensify Operation P-Hunt against online child abuse

The Kerala Police have intensified their crackdown on online child sexual exploitation through Operation P-Hunt. Operating under the Counter Child Sexual Exploitation Centre (CCSE), the specialized task force utilizes darknet monitoring, cyber intelligence, and surveillance of encrypted messaging apps to track the circulation of abuse material.

Since 2017, the operation has conducted 7,862 searches, registered over 2,100 cases, arrested approximately 400 individuals, and seized more than 4,200 digital devices. Investigators use IP addresses and digital forensics to identify suspects who use social media, cloud storage, and malware to target minors.

To strengthen its capabilities, the Kerala Police has collaborated with international agencies. Interpol has provided training and assistance to the CCSE since 2019, and the unit also receives reports from the U.S.-based International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (ICMEC).