Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, May 8: In a significant move to curb online incitement and misinformation, Mangaluru City Police have registered two separate criminal cases against individuals who allegedly misused social media platforms to provoke communal sentiments and distort facts surrounding the recent murder of Suhas Shetty in Bajpe.

Police officials confirmed that two men have been identified and interrogated, and both cases are under active investigation.

In the first case, registered at Urwa police station, investigators found that an individual had uploaded a photo of the deceased Suhas Shetty on Instagram using accounts titled “VHP Bajarangdal Ashoknagar” and “Shankhanada.”

The accompanying captions and content were reportedly communally provocative, with the intent to stir animosity between religious communities. The accused, Manish Kumar of Ashoknagar, has been tracked down and questioned. The case has been booked under Sections 353(1) and 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

The second case, lodged at Kavoor police station, involves the circulation of a WhatsApp message containing speculative and politically charged claims. The message suggested that Suhas Shetty’s murder was plotted under the influence of an MLA’s close aides and was being used to divert attention from actual suspects while allegedly benefiting a political party.

According to police, the intent was to spread confusion among the public and falsely frame the incident as part of a larger conspiracy. The sender, identified as Hasan Bava from Kinnipadavu, has also been questioned. Charges in this case include Sections 196, 353(1), and 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Mangaluru police have reiterated their commitment to maintaining communal harmony and have warned that any attempt to spread unverified, inflammatory, or divisive content online will be dealt with firmly under the law.

Further developments are awaited as both investigations progress.