Police investigate after hacker shares explicit images of female students on Instagram

NT Correspondent

Hubballi/Bengaluru: An unidentified hacker has targeted Instagram accounts belonging to several female students of a local private college, circulating explicit images and videos that are rapidly gaining traction across social media platforms.

The incident has raised alarm and prompted an investigation by local law enforcement. The accused reportedly gained unauthorised access to the accounts approximately three months ago, manipulating and subsequently disseminating the compromising materials online.

The college administration and the affected students have promptly lodged a formal complaint with the CEN police station, outlining the extent of the breach and its subsequent distressing implications.

Disturbingly, the hacker has responded by unleashing a barrage of derogatory comments and ominous threats against the victims, even hinting at a cache of potentially embarrassing photographs from years prior.

The alarming posts have triggered widespread apprehension among students, leading many to retreat to the safety of their homes. In response, the police have initiated a case based on the testimonials provided by the affected female students.

DCP Gopal Byakod visited the private college to initiate a preliminary investigation, acknowledging the gravity of the situation.

Hubballi-Dharwad Police Commissioner Santosh Babu provided a comprehensive overview of the ongoing efforts, explaining that a case has been officially registered in response to the disturbing content shared on Instagram.

The suspected individuals have been summoned to the police station for intensive questioning, with a particular focus on identifying the motivation and the responsible parties behind the reprehensible act.

Commissioner Babu highlighted the potential involvement of a student within the college due to the suspect's intimate knowledge of internal conversations and affairs.

Adding to the complex scenario, a contentious and manipulated video has surfaced on social media platforms. The video portrays prominent political figures such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath paying homage to Tipu Sultan, a historical figure, in a seemingly provocative manner.

The person behind this video challenges the police force to apprehend them and reveal their underlying intentions. In a further unsettling development, the miscreant has superimposed Tipu Sultan's likeness onto Indian currency, adding a layer of audacious defiance.

These online activities have not only triggered anxiety among students and parents but have also captured the attention of the general public.

Law enforcement has promptly registered a formal First Information Report (FIR) and assembled a specialised team of eight officers to conduct a thorough inquiry.

Additionally, the incriminating video has been forwarded to a forensic laboratory to ascertain its authenticity and integrity, underscoring the seriousness of the ongoing investigation.