Morphing case: Obscene content involving minors found on phones; more arrests likely, say police

KOCHI: The police have expanded their investigation into the Thrikkakara morphing case to other states after obscene photos and videos, including content involving minors, were found on the mobile phones of the accused. A separate case has also been registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The crucial breakthrough in the investigation came after police received information about Telegram premium groups allegedly operated by the second accused, Saneesh.

The police found that a mobile number from Jharkhand was linked to one of the Telegram groups. Following this lead, the investigation has now been extended to Jharkhand. The police are examining whether the number has a direct connection to the case, whether it was used by someone from Kerala, whether anyone from outside the state was involved, or whether the SIM card was misused by someone else.

Sreehari was the first person arrested in the case, followed by Saneesh. According to the police, Saneesh had been bringing people into Telegram premium groups by promising access to more obscene content. He allegedly charged users for membership and then circulated obscene photos and videos through the groups.

The police are now conducting a detailed examination of four Telegram groups linked to the case. The investigation team has received information from Telegram authorities about the administrators and members of the groups. Thrikkakara police said officials have again written to Telegram seeking more information related to the case. Further action will be taken after the new evidence and other information gathered during the investigation are evaluated. The police said more questioning and arrests are likely in the case.