Chennai: Chennai Police on Thursday warned the public and media organisations against sharing photographs or video clips of a minor girl’s rape, stating that such publication was prohibited under the law.
The police said sharing or publishing photographs or other information that could identify a child involved in a POCSO case constituted an offence under Section 23(2) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and could invite legal action .
In a press release, the police said they had noticed photographs and clips of the minor being circulated through media platforms and social media handles. The police appealed to the public not to share or republish any such material.
They said the case remained under investigation and reiterated that the identity and privacy of the minor should be protected during the investigation and subsequent legal proceedings. Police also appealed to anyone possessing evidence connected with the case to submit it directly to the police instead of circulating it in the public domain.