A disturbing case of sexual exploitation under the guise of faith healing has surfaced in Kerala's Kollam district. Police have arrested Muhammad Niyas Jauhari, a religious instructor and vlogger who served as the director of the Habibiya Islamic Academy in Ochira, on charges of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl. The abuse came to light after the minor confided in her friends about the repeated ordeals she endured, leading directly to a formal police complaint and the suspect's immediate apprehension.
Exploitation Under the Guise of Spiritual Healing
According to investigators, the accused preyed on the family's vulnerabilities by convincing them that his spiritual prayers possessed the power to cure medical ailments. Under the pretext of offering healing prayers for an ailing relative, Jauhari summoned the 16-year-old girl alongside her relative to the Habibiya Islamic Academy premises in Ochira. It was inside this institution that the accused first assaulted the teenager. To ensure her silence, Jauhari intimidated and threatened the victim, subsequently taking her to multiple locations where the abuse continued unchecked.
Offences Committed in Late 2025 Uncovered by Friends
The alleged assaults took place across October 2025 and November 2025. After months of coping with distress, the survivor eventually shared her experience with trusted friends, who urged her to seek justice and facilitated the police complaint. Law enforcement officials acted swiftly, taking Jauhari into custody directly from the academy premises. During official interrogation, the accused confessed to the criminal acts committed against the minor victim.
Probing Additional Victims and Forensic Phone Scrutiny
Preliminary findings from the ongoing interrogation indicate that Muhammad Niyas Jauhari may have targeted and sexually exploited several other young girls using an identical modus operandi. Investigators are conducting an exhaustive forensic examination of his mobile phone, scrutinizing digital data, call records, and message logs to determine the full scope of his activities and identify any further victims connected to his operations.
Closure of Academy and Counselling for 40 Enrolled Students
Following the revelations, administrative authorities moved to shut down the Habibiya Islamic Academy where Jauhari exercised managerial control. Around 40 children are currently enrolled in the religious learning centre. Child welfare and local authorities have scheduled structured psychological counselling sessions for all 40 students to support their emotional well-being while the police press ahead with further legal proceedings.
