A day after the internet service providers blocked more than 800 pornographic websites, a number of cities across the country reported a spike in the cost of underground sale of porn DVDs, the demand for which headed north.

With the ban preventing download of adult content, people and retailers queued up in markets like Palika Bazar, Lajpat Nagar and Paharganj in New Delhi, where the DVD business is known to be flourishing more than before. DVDs available for Rs 100 last week are being sold for Rs 300. Also, an 8GB normal DVD is costing around Rs 300 containing 10-12 HD clips of all sorts.

Vendors in Kolkata hiked porn CD prices by 20% to 30%. At upmarket Park Circus, a vendor said CDs that sold for Rs 20 are now going for Rs 25-30. MMS clips, most in demand, now cost Rs 30-40 — nearly double that of Monday’s price. Another vendor said there has been a hike of 20% in prime locations like Gariahat and Rashbehari Avenue. English porn DVDs are selling for Rs 50-60, up from Rs 40.

In Lucknow, consumers of porn said pirated CD/DVDs were selling at 50% higher rates. The congested Preet and Amber markets in Naka and Naza market in Hazratganj are key hubs where computer material and CDs are sold openly.

Manish Mohan (name changed), who runs the business since 1995 and is among the big fish, said, “Vendors from districts like Basti, Faizabad, Barabanki, Raibareli and Sitapur are primary buyer group.”

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