Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, July 15: A man has been arrested for allegedly circulating false and communally provocative messages about an entrepreneur on WhatsApp, according to a release by the Surathkal police.
The complaint was filed by Rajesh from Honnakatte, Kulai, who runs an establishment called RV Enterprises in Hosabettu, Surathkal. Rajesh alleged that certain individuals were spreading baseless accusations and false narratives against him in WhatsApp groups, aimed at inciting communal hatred among the Hindu community.
According to the complaint, the accused falsely claimed that Rajesh had converted more than 20 Hindu girls, sold obscene CDs, and was attempting to get a 24-year-old Hindu girl married to his brother.
It was further alleged that the woman had stopped visiting temples and applying vermilion, and had instead started attending church services. These allegations were circulated with the intent to spread enmity and defame the complainant, police said.
Following the complaint, a case was registered at Surathkal police station on July 13 under Crime No. 93/2025 under Sections 352, 353(1), and 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
A police team led by inspector Pramod Kumar and sub-inspector Raghu Naik, along with HC Annappa Vandse, arrested the prime accused identified as Ram Prasad alias Pocha (42), son of late Sanjeev Achari, a resident of Vanadurga Engineering Works, Kulai. He was taken into custody on July 14 and reportedly confessed to the crime during interrogation. He was produced before the 2nd JMFC Court in Mangaluru, which remanded him to judicial custody.
The second accused, Lokesh Kodikere, has already been arrested in a separate case registered at Padubidri police station (Crime No. 81/2025) and is currently lodged at the Udupi district jail, Hiriyadka.
Authorities plan to produce him before the court through a body warrant.
Police have confirmed that further investigation is underway.