Kochi, September 4, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
A Kerala college student has been arrested in connection with the alleged circulation of morphed obscene images of teachers and students, with police investigation uncovering claims that such images were also being sold through Telegram groups.
S. Srihari, a second-year BBA student of Bharata Mata College, was arrested by Kakkanad police following a complaint from the college management.
Students who examined Srihari’s mobile phone with police permission reportedly found several photographs, including images of female students, that had allegedly been used to create obscene morphed visuals. They also reportedly found evidence suggesting that morphed nude images were being sold through Telegram groups.
According to the students who examined the device, photographs were allegedly sent to specific Telegram chats, where morphed versions were subsequently returned through the same channels. Special groups allegedly created for circulating morphed images of teachers and students were also reportedly identified.
The discovery of visuals showing rooms in the girls’ hostel on Srihari’s phone has added another dimension to the investigation. Police are examining whether any photographs were taken inside the hostel and whether they were subsequently used to create morphed images.
Investigators have also found that photographs and videos of teachers conducting classes were allegedly captured and later used for morphing. Srihari was involved in photography and video-editing work for official college programmes and functions, which reportedly gave him access to photographs and videos of teachers and students.
Police had earlier found a large number of allegedly morphed images and videos involving female students on his phone. The material was described as highly obscene.
The college was reportedly alerted to the alleged activities on September 1, when a former student confidentially informed a female teacher. A preliminary inquiry subsequently led to disciplinary action against Srihari, who was suspended and expelled from the institution.
Police have registered a case under non-bailable provisions, including Section 67A of the Information Technology Act. The cyber cell is being involved to trace the digital trail, examine alleged financial transactions and determine whether other individuals were involved.
The arrest came amid protests on the college campus over the management’s handling of the matter. Students affiliated with the SFI staged a sit-in outside the principal’s office, following which Kakkanad police reached the campus and took Srihari into custody.
Investigators are now probing whether Srihari acted alone and are examining the extent of any network involved in obtaining, morphing, circulating and allegedly monetising the images.
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