More cases against MBBS student for morphing pictures of female students in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

The Medical College Police here on Thursday (July 23, 2026) registered two more cases, besides the original one, against third-year MBBS student Abel Augustin of Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College for allegedly morphing photos of female students and spreading obscene images across social media platforms.

The incident came to light after students noticed some morphed visuals circulating online. The accused, who hails from Kakkavayal in Wayanad, is suspected of having misused the photographs of nearly 15 students after retrieving them from their social media accounts. The complainants include both his classmates and senior students, police said.

The new legal action comes in the wake of intense student protests outside the Medical College police station late on Wednesday (July 22, 2026). Although Abel was initially arrested in the case, the students claimed that the police charged him under lesser provisions, paving the way for the court to release him on bail. They also alleged reluctance on the part of the police to record their statements and initiate legal action against the accused.

As more complainants came forward, police were reportedly considering incorporating them into the existing case, citing complaints related to the same crime. However, the late night demonstration prompted the police to register a separate FIR and formally record the statements of the complainants. City police are likely to register more cases as complaints against Abel continue to pour in.

Published – 23 Jul 2026 18:12 IST