Bundelkhand’s ‘Epstein’: Banda JE and Wife Sentenced to Death for Sexual Exploitation of 34 Children

Banda/Chitrakoot, February 21, 2026: In a landmark judgment, the Banda Court has sentenced Junior Engineer (JE) Rambhavan and his wife Durgavati to death for the sexual exploitation of 34 children across Banda, Chitrakoot, and Hamirpur districts. The Special POCSO Court also imposed fines of ₹6.45 lakh on Rambhavan and ₹5.40 lakh on Durgavati.

The case, which dates back nearly five years, gained international attention due to the involvement of Interpol, which provided the CBI with a pen drive containing 79 videos and 679 photos documenting the abuse. Investigators described the case as reminiscent of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal in the United States.

International Distribution of Child Pornography

According to CBI officials, Rambhavan sold child pornography videos to buyers in Brazil, the USA, China, Afghanistan, and 47 other countries. Each video uploaded to dark web platforms earned him substantial sums, with the couple reportedly making crores of rupees over a decade. Durgavati actively assisted her husband in the crimes.

Interpol’s Tip and CBI Investigation

The case came to light on October 17, 2020, when Interpol shared the evidence with the CBI, prompting an FIR on October 31, 2020 in New Delhi. Rambhavan, a resident of Jawahar Nagar, Naraini, Banda, was identified as the primary suspect targeting children across multiple districts. The CBI investigation involved mapping his network within Bundelkhand and beyond. While initially suspected to involve high-profile individuals, only Rambhavan and his wife were ultimately charged.

Arrest and Court Proceedings

• November 16, 2020: Rambhavan arrested from SDM Colony, Chitrakoot.
• December 28, 2020: Durgavati arrested.
• February 24, 2021: CBI filed charges in Banda Court.
• 2023: Formal framing of charges; both accused denied all allegations.
• June 5, 2023: Special POCSO Court hearings commenced, with 74 witnesses, including 25 victims, doctors from AIIMS Delhi, teachers, and other experts, giving testimony.
• February 20, 2026: Court pronounced the death sentence for both, recognizing the case as one of the rarest of rare crimes.

Court Observations

The court noted that Rambhavan’s heinous acts caused irreversible physical and psychological trauma to the victims. Some children suffered permanent injuries, requiring medical treatment at AIIMS, Delhi. The judgment awarded ₹1 lakh compensation to each child as a witness and ₹10 lakh aid to each victim’s family from the state and central government.

Modus Operandi

Rambhavan used mobile phones to lure children, keeping separate devices for his crimes. Durgavati reportedly enticed children with expensive gifts. Despite having no children of their own, they manipulated households and rented premises for these heinous acts.

Rambhavan, originally from Devinakapurwa, Kharaonch, lived in rented accommodations and was known to present a simple, trustworthy persona at work, masking his criminal activities.

Duration and Scope of Crimes

The sexual exploitation and video production continued for nearly a decade, targeting children aged 5 to 10 years. Evidence gathered by the CBI shows operations across Banda, Chitrakoot, and Hamirpur, drawing parallels to the Epstein child exploitation network.

Community Reaction

Neighbours described Rambhavan as a reclusive figure who avoided official housing and maintained rented homes throughout his postings. Early suspicions arose when he rented property near Sikri village in Chitrakoot; complaints about suspicious activities led to eviction within six weeks.

The court’s ruling marks a milestone in child protection laws, underscoring the severity of sexual crimes against minors and the accountability of perpetrators involved in the distribution of child pornography.