Published Sep 05, 2026 | 3:25 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 05, 2026 | 3:25 PM
Representational image. (iStock)
Synopsis: The investigation has been expanded to include cyber experts. ACP C.K. Bijoy Chandran is supervising the probe, headed by Inspector S. Sanal. The college principal has also urged students and alumni to share any information about the case with the police. Commissioner Mahesh Kumar warned that the easy availability of AI-based image manipulation tools has created a new challenge, particularly with photographs that are publicly available on social media.
The police suspect that the circulation of AI-morphed images of women students and teachers at a college in Ernakulam may not have been an isolated act, as the investigation has widened to determine whether the arrested student received assistance from others and whether similar groups are active elsewhere.
Kochi City Police Commissioner Kaliraj Mahesh Kumar IPS said the investigation is focusing on the possible involvement of others in creating and circulating the objectionable images.
The police have already identified four others who were members of a private Telegram group allegedly used to exchange the morphed photographs. Their exact roles are being examined.
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Sreehari V.S., 20, a second-year BBA student at Bharata Mata College, Thrikkakara, and a native of Kilimanoor in Thiruvananthapuram, was arrested in connection with the case and remanded in custody.
The police have since questioned more people, including former students of the institution, as part of the probe.
The case came to light after students themselves noticed morphed photographs of female classmates being circulated through groups and alerted the college authorities.
During an inspection, the college authorities reportedly found similar material on the student’s phone and subsequently informed the police.
According to the police, the accused had extensive experience in photo editing through his involvement in college magazine activities.
Investigators suspect that he used this expertise, along with AI and deepfake applications, to manipulate photographs of women students and teachers and circulate them through closed online groups.
The accused’s phone allegedly contained several applications capable of manipulating images as well as photographs of students and teachers.
Investigators have also identified a private Telegram group of around four or five members that was allegedly used for exchanging the material.
The police are now examining whether the other members merely received the images or actively assisted in creating, modifying or distributing them.
Further action against them will be taken after their individual roles are established, the Commissioner said.
The investigation has been expanded with the inclusion of cyber experts. ACP C.K. Bijoy Chandran is supervising the probe, headed by Inspector S. Sanal.
The college principal has also urged students and alumni to pass on any information concerning the case to the police.
Commissioner Mahesh Kumar warned that the easy availability of AI-based image manipulation tools has created a new challenge, particularly with photographs that are publicly available on social media.
Such technology allows images to be manipulated quickly and at relatively little cost, he said.
He also urged parents to exercise greater caution when providing children with sophisticated electronic devices.
The arrested student was using a latest-model iPhone, and investigators are examining the device and its contents as part of the probe.
The police are also investigating whether similar closed groups exist in other educational institutions.
Given the sensitive nature of the case and the fact that several persons under investigation are students, the investigation is being handled cautiously, the Commissioner said.
Meanwhile, allegations of a similar nature have surfaced in Malappuram, where various student organisations have approached the police over the alleged morphing and online circulation of photographs of women college students.
The organisations have submitted a complaint to the district police chief seeking urgent intervention by the cyber police to identify those behind the activity, block the social media accounts involved and ensure that the morphed photographs are removed from online platforms.
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