The Special Judge, POCSO, Kohima, Mezivolu T Therieh, NJS has sentenced a 34-year-old man from Chekiye Village, Chümoukedima, to two years’ rigorous imprisonment in a cybercrime case involving Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).

The accused, Tova Sema, was convicted under Section 67B of the Information Technology Act, 2000 and Section 15(1) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. The conviction was recorded by the court on September 15, 2026, while the sentence was pronounced on September 21.

Under Section 67B of the IT Act, the Court awarded two years’ rigorous imprisonment and a fine of ₹50,000, with three months’ simple imprisonment in default of payment. Under Section 15(1) of the POCSO Act, the accused was fined ₹5,000, with one month’s simple imprisonment in default.

The case originated from information received through Stockholm Interpol and subsequently communicated to Indian authorities through the CBI/Interpol channel regarding suspected CSAM and associated activity on Wickr.me.

Investigation by the Cyber Crime Police Station, PHQ, Kohima, resulted in the seizure and forensic examination of electronic devices. The examination reportedly revealed 1,212 images, nine videos and associated chats involving 18 Wickr.me groups, including material depicting minor children in sexually explicit and exploitative situations.

While determining the sentence, the Court considered the aggravating and mitigating circumstances presented by both sides. It observed, “In determining the appropriate sentence, this Court is conscious of the seriousness of the offence and the material involved. The convict was found in possession of numerous images and videos depicting minor children in sexually explicit and exploitative situations. Such possession and circulation affects the dignity of the children and contribute to their continued exploitation. The nature and quantity of the material as well as uploading, sharing and transmission activity, are therefore relevant considerations in determining the sentence.”

Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play

The Court also considered the Supreme Court’s judgment in Just Rights for Children Alliance & Anr. v. S. Harish & Ors., concerning the scope of the relevant provisions and Child Sexual Exploitative and Abusive Material (CSEAM).

The investigation was conducted by Inspector Ncumbemo Ngullie of the Cyber Crime Police Station, PHQ, Kohima, while the State was represented by Additional Public Prosecutor, Abraham.

The prosecution examined six witnesses and relied on documentary, electronic and forensic evidence. The court held that the prosecution had proved the case beyond reasonable doubt.

The judgment, therefore, also carries an important preventive and deterrent significance, reinforcing that digital platforms, encrypted communication services and technological anonymity cannot be used as a shield for conduct prohibited by law.

The case is among the early cases in Nagaland involving international cybercrime information, digital forensic investigation and prosecution relating to CSAM. It also highlights the role of inter-agency cooperation, international information-sharing, cyber investigation and digital forensics in addressing technology-enabled crimes against children.

The Office of the Public Prosecutor, Kohima, appreciated the efforts of the Cyber Crime Police Station, investigating officers, forensic and technical personnel, prosecution and other stakeholders involved in bringing the case to its logical conclusion.