IU student charged with child exploitation after investigation that began with out-of-state tip

Bloomingtonian Staff Report

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — February 27, 2026

An Indiana University Bloomington student has been charged with multiple felony counts of child exploitation following an investigation that began last spring after an out-of-state law enforcement agency forwarded information to Indiana University Police, according to court records.

Ashwin Vishwanath Veerappan, 20, of Bloomington, faces three Level 5 felony counts of child exploitation filed Wednesday, Feb. 25, in Monroe Circuit Court. A probable cause affidavit filed by IU Police Detective Christopher Bridge alleges investigators identified 27 instances of suspected child exploitation tied to the case.

According to the affidavit, the investigation began April 4, 2025, when IU Police were contacted by a detective with the Owatonna, Minnesota, Police Department regarding an online investigation that was being forwarded to IU. The documents allege the activity was connected to an internet address assigned through Indiana University.

Court records say additional information was later received through the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, referencing a report forwarded by the platform associated with the messaging service used in the investigation.

The affidavit states that investigators ultimately reviewed a total of 29 files associated with the report and concluded 27 instances of child exploitation were clearly identifiable for purposes of preliminary allegations.

Court records indicate Veerappan was arrested Feb. 22 on 27 preliminary counts of child exploitation, but prosecutors ultimately filed three counts. Online jail records show he was booked into the Monroe County Jail and later released after posting a $25,000 surety bond.

The case remains pending in Monroe Circuit Court.

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