The Medical College police here on Thursday (July 23, 2026) registered two additional cases, in addition to the original one, against third-year MBBS student Abel Augustine of the Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College for allegedly morphing the photos of female students and circulating the obscene images across social media platforms.

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

The fresh legal action comes in the wake of intense student protests outside the Medical College police station late Wednesday (July 22, 2026). Although Abel was initially arrested in a case, the students alleged that the police charged him under minor provisions, which paved the way for the court to grant him bail. They also alleged reluctance on the part of the police in recording their statements and initiating legal action against the accused.

With more complainants stepping forward, the police reportedly considered merging them into the existing case, citing the complaints pertain to the same offence. However, the late-night demonstration prompted the police to register separate FIRs and formally record the statements of complainants. The city police will likely register more cases as complaints against Abel continue to pour in.

Published - July 23, 2026 06:12 pm IST