An Indian national was arrested in Santa Fe, New Mexico, during an undercover operation targeting online child predators, with bodycam footage of the arrest gaining significant attention on social media.
An Indian national was arrested earlier this month in Santa Fe, the capital of New Mexico, as part of an “Online Child Predator Operation.” Authorities identified the suspect as 26-year-old Nagaraju Balkam.
The Santa Fe Police Department released official bodycam footage of the arrest during the first week of March 2026. The video quickly went viral on social media platform X, with users sharing and reacting to it widely.
The police department initially shared the video on its official social media page on March 3, 2026. The footage shows officers positioned behind a closed door, waiting for the opportune moment to apprehend the suspect. One officer is seen peering through the peephole, while another records the scene with a body camera.
Moments later, officers rush out to take Balkam into custody. He is seen wearing a light-colored hoodie and holding a mobile phone with an orange case. As several officers in “POLICE” vests surround him, one officer asks if he can speak English or Spanish before they proceed to handcuff him.
After placing him in handcuffs, officers escorted Balkam to a nearby room, instructing him to face the wall as they continued their search.
According to the Santa Fe Police Department’s bodycam footage, the arrest occurred shortly after 10 p.m. on February 26, 2026. In a March 3 Instagram post, officials announced that Nagaraju Balkam was arrested on charges of “Sexual Exploitation of Children by Prostitution and Child Solicitation by Electronic Communication Device (Meets with Child).”
Reports indicate that Balkam was not the only individual arrested during this multi-day operation targeting online sexual predators in Santa Fe. Others taken into custody include 59-year-old Eduardo Ramirez, 55-year-old Harold Adams, and 29-year-old Tomas Cacjo.
According to a report by KOAT News, all individuals arrested now face child solicitation charges, among other counts. The police have stated that the investigation is ongoing, and additional suspects may be charged.
Eduardo Ramirez, listed under Santa Fe Police Department case number 2026001878, was arrested on charges of child solicitation by electronic device, along with resisting, evading, or obstructing an officer. Harold Adams, under case number 2026001896, faces charges of child solicitation by electronic communication device and tampering with evidence. Tomas Cacjo, identified in case number 2026001907, was arrested for sexual exploitation of children by prostitution, child solicitation by electronic communication device, and resisting, evading, or obstructing an officer.
The arrests were carried out by the Special Victims Unit as part of a coordinated operation, with support from several Santa Fe detectives and police officers. According to KSFR.org, the effort involved officers using undercover accounts across multiple websites and messaging platforms.
Through these accounts, detectives communicated directly with suspects. Once identified, authorities moved in to arrest those who attempted to engage in sexual crimes against individuals they believed were children.
The Santa Fe Police Department continues to investigate the matter, emphasizing their commitment to protecting children from online predators.
For further details, refer to KOAT News.