In the pandemic, more Indian children are falling victim to online grooming for sexual exploitation

In mid-2020, a 21-year-old woman got in touch with the cyber psychologist Nirali Bhatia, seeking help for her younger sister. The sister was distraught.

At the start of the pandemic, cooped up at home, the 15-year-old had become a resident of the internet. Her school classes were online, attended on a shared family computer. Her teachers delivered class notes on her mother’s WhatsApp. And her friend’s mobile was her gateway to socialising.

Early in the lockdown, the sister created an Instagram profile with a photograph of herself. In the profile bio, she wrote, “I aspire to be in IPS and a model.”

Within days, a direct message from a man landed in her inbox, asking if she was interested in a modelling assignment for an apparel brand. She said no. The exam season was on the horizon and she wanted to focus on her studies. Undeterred, the man said he would wait.

Their conversations continued despite the swift rejection of the modelling offer. Over the next few weeks, he told her that he is a former army officer, over 30 years old, and in the same city as her. He began to tutor her online and her grades improved. He said he loved her.

“This was the first time that…

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