Kerala Student Arrested for Selling Morphed Images of Peers and Teachers

Disturbing Revelations in Kerala College Scandal

Kochi, September 4: A troubling incident has emerged from a college in Kerala, where a student has been arrested for allegedly distributing morphed obscene images of fellow students and teachers. The investigation revealed that the student's mobile device contained evidence of nude images being sold via Telegram groups, along with unauthorized visuals from girls' hostel rooms.

S. Srihari, a second-year BBA student at Bharata Mata College, was taken into custody by the Kakkanad police after the college management filed a complaint.

Upon examining his phone with police authorization, fellow students discovered numerous photographs, including those of female students, which had been manipulated to create inappropriate images.

Reports indicate that the student was involved in the sale of these morphed nude images through Telegram channels, where users could send original photos and receive altered versions in return.

Specialized groups dedicated to sharing these morphed images of both students and teachers were also identified during the investigation.

The presence of images from the girls' hostel on Srihari's phone has raised further concerns, prompting police to investigate whether these photos were taken within the hostel premises and used for morphing.

Additionally, it has come to light that videos and photographs of teachers conducting classes were allegedly recorded and later manipulated.

Srihari had previously been involved in photography and video editing for college events, which granted him access to various images of students and faculty.

Authorities discovered a significant number of morphed images and videos on his device, many of which were deemed highly inappropriate.

The college first learned of these activities on September 1, when a former student discreetly informed a female teacher.

A preliminary investigation confirmed the allegations, leading to Srihari's suspension and subsequent expulsion.

The police have initiated a case under non-bailable sections, including Section 67A of the Information Technology Act.

The cyber cell is now involved in tracing the digital footprint, investigating financial transactions, and determining if others participated in this illicit activity.

This arrest followed protests on campus regarding the college management's response to the situation, with students from the SFI staging a sit-in outside the principal's office. The Kakkanad police intervened and took Srihari into custody. Investigators are currently assessing whether Srihari acted independently or if a broader network was involved in the acquisition, manipulation, distribution, and potential monetization of these images.