Unveiling the Dark World of Illegal Pornographic Production

Raigad: Police have revealed that a man named Vishnu, 35, from Kolkata, stands as the main suspect in the creation of pornographic films for a company called Sexfantasy. This disclosure follows an investigation by the Pune rural police, resulting in the arrest of 18 people involved in producing pornographic content at a bungalow in Lonavala. The investigation unveiled a widespread network operating nationally and extending to Nepal.

Vishnu and his associates allegedly profited by distributing these films to operators of illegal porn websites. They shared the content on social media and mobile apps, earning money through subscription fees from viewers seeking access to the material.

The investigation showed that Vishnu recruited individuals from different states such as Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Maharashtra, Delhi, and Uttarakhand. This group included male and female actors, camera persons, lighting technicians, and makeup artists involved in producing pornographic films.

Law enforcement officers, under the guidance of Inspector Kishor Dhumal, raided a bungalow named "Arnav Villa" in Patan village near Lonavala. The raid led to the arrest of 15 individuals, both men and women, found in separate rooms on the premises. Additionally, three local agents facilitating the rental of the bungalow were arrested for their involvement in the illegal activities.

Items seized from the suspects, valued at Rs 6.72 lakh, included cameras, cell phones, a laptop, condoms, Shilajit capsules, and other related materials. The suspects were later granted bail after being charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, the Information Technology Act, and the Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986.

Investigations indicate that Vishnu, a key player in the illicit operation, had connections with a network of pornographic filmmakers and possessed significant computer skills. He had a structured approach to producing pornographic content, hiring individuals from various backgrounds for filming.

The police also noted the suspects' careful planning, involving cash transactions, transportation in rented cabs, and the avoidance of documentation to conceal their actions. The suspects allegedly coerced participants to sign documents and record videos to fake consent, using fake identities to promote the content on websites.

Law enforcement authorities are now focusing on bungalows in Lonavala, a popular tourist spot often rented out, to crack down on illicit activities and uphold legal standards in the area.

Consequences of Online Streaming

The internet is a major polluter and represents two to four percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, which is on par with the aviation industry. An average person streams, on average, five hours of content a day, resulting in up to 1.57 million tonnes of CO2 emissions released, or 0.57 billion tonnes a year.

In the fast-paced digital age we live in, the convenience and allure of online video streaming have become a staple in many people's lives. However, a recent eye-opening study has shed light on a concerning reality - the environmental impact of our online viewing habits.

According to a report by The Shift Project, a French think tank, the transmission and consumption of online videos are responsible for a staggering 300 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually. To put this into perspective, this amount is nearly 1 percent of the total global emissions. Surprisingly, a significant portion of this environmental burden comes from on-demand video platforms like Netflix, accounting for a third of the total emissions. Equally alarming is the fact that another third of these emissions is attributed to online pornographic content.

The implications of these findings are striking. The carbon footprint generated by the consumption of pornographic videos alone rivals the annual emissions of entire countries such as Belgium, Bangladesh, and Nigeria. This revelation underscores the urgent need for greater awareness and action to address the environmental consequences of our digital habits.

 The Shift projects analysis further warns that digital technologies, including online video streaming, currently contribute to 4 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Alarmingly, this figure is projected to double, potentially reaching 8 percent by the year 2025. if significant measures are not taken to curb this escalating trend.

As we navigate this digital landscape, it is crucial to recognize the environmental impact of our online activities and strive towards more sustainable practices. From conscious consumption to advocating for eco-friendly policies in the digital realm, individual actions can collectively make a substantial difference in mitigating the carbon footprint of our online behaviors. The time to act is now, to ensure a greener and more sustainable future for generations to come.

Samuel Navkar
Freelance Journalist