A series of complaints filed by women across different north Kerala districts has brought to light a disturbing pattern of cyber exploitation involving morphing and circulation of photographs of young women allegedly sourced from social media platforms. The police in Malappuram, Kannur, Wayanad, and Kozhikode are now conducting a joint investigation following reports that such images are being frequently altered and traded through secret online groups.

The issue gained public attention after a woman in Kozhikode complained that her photographs, downloaded from Instagram, were morphed and circulated through Telegram groups. Based on her petition, the Parappanagadi police in Malappuram registered a case against a Kozhikode native. Preliminary findings indicated that the accused had sold the pictures to multiple online groups.

Published – April 29, 2026 09:20 pm IST