Kerala Minister Bindhu Krishna says photos of her body have been circulating online

Kerala Minister Bindhu Krishna said on Tuesday (July 14, 2026) that a photo was circulating on the internet that focused on her body instead of her face. She described the incident as an example of how photos were used to humiliate people, especially women.

Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, Kerala’s women and child development minister said the incident took place during a school visit for higher secondary admissions in July.

“Someone there told me that a photo had been taken. I realized that the person behind me had zoomed the camera not on my face but on my body. Another person immediately asked the person to remove it. I thought it would not become a problem because the person was told to delete it,” she said.

However, according to her, the picture later appeared on social networks.

“What was posted online showed only my body, without my face. Normally, when you photograph someone, you show their face. Even though I am a minister, such a photograph of me was taken. Although the post was later deleted, screenshots were already taken and the matter was brought to the attention of the school management, making it an issue,” Ms Krishna said.

The minister said she was shocked that such a photograph could have been taken while she was participating in an official program with students and teachers.

“I asked myself how anyone could have the audacity to photograph the body of a serving minister of state in a public place when I was among school children and teachers. I am not someone who wants to harass or threaten anyone. But this has gone too far,” she said.

She said that those responsible for such violation of women’s rights can be identified and action can be taken as per law.

Referring to the wider problem of online abuse, the minister said people were increasingly misusing photos in the name of freedom of expression.

“People think in different ways. We can’t explain ourselves to everyone. We have to be brave and move forward with our lives. Life doesn’t have to end because of one event. At the same time, people are getting braver and taking the law into their own hands,” she said.

She said the problem is that in the name of free speech, some people misuse photos, edit them or distribute them in ways that can ruin someone’s life.

“Women are often subjected to this and men also face humiliation. Many men can somehow cope with it, but the problem affects everyone. For women, the situation is even more serious and the government has already announced measures to deal with such problems,” she said.

Asked about online platforms that thrive on creating controversies, especially by targeting women, Ms. Krishna said the government was seriously looking into measures to curb such practices. “The government is seriously considering measures to deal with such issues. As we have seen in cases involving celebrities, these incidents can have serious consequences and the government is taking this matter with the seriousness it deserves,” she said.

Published – 14 July 2026 9:00 PM IST