Daijiworld Media Network - Puttur
Puttur, July 6: In a deeply disturbing case of moral vigilantism with communal undertones, two men have been arrested in Puttur for harassing a minor boy and girl, filming the incident, and spreading the video on social media along with derogatory and religion-based abuse.
The incident took place on July 5 at Birumale Hill, a popular spot in Puttur Kasba village. According to the police complaint filed by the boy’s father, his underage son was spending time with a girl acquaintance when two unidentified men approached them.
The duo allegedly stopped the minors unlawfully, began verbally abusing them using obscene language, and threatened to record their interaction and upload it online.
The situation escalated as the accused began targeting the boy’s religion, hurling communal slurs and falsely branding him based on his faith. They reportedly called over nearby members of the public to the scene, further shaming and isolating the couple, all while filming the ordeal.
The video, which contained both threats and hate speech, was subsequently shared on WhatsApp and Instagram, potentially reaching a wide audience and amplifying the humiliation.
In response to the complaint, police registered a case under Crime No. 54/2025, invoking several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, including those pertaining to unlawful restraint, assault, intimidation, and incitement of communal hatred.
The video is now being treated as potential evidence in a case that not only violates the privacy of two minors but also threatens to disturb communal harmony.
The accused have been identified as Purushothama, 43, a resident of Kudmaru in Kadaba, and Ramachandra, 38, from Aryapu in Puttur. Both have been taken into custody and are currently being interrogated. Further legal proceedings are underway.
Authorities are also examining the communal aspect of the video, given its inflammatory content and the deliberate attempt to provoke discord between communities. Officials have urged restraint and have appealed to the public not to share or forward the video further, as it contains the identities of minors and violates child protection laws.
Police have also issued a firm reminder to media outlets and social media users that both victims are underage, and as such, their identities are protected under the Juvenile Justice Act. Any attempt to reveal their names, photos, or personal details in any form of media or digital platform is a punishable offence.