Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Oct 21: The Mangaluru city police have arrested a youth for allegedly sending casteist and obscene messages to a woman on social media, causing her humiliation and mental distress.

According to police, a case was registered at Mangaluru East police station on October 18 under sections 79 and 190 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, sections 66(A) and 67 of the IT Act, and sections 3(1)(w)(i)(ii) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The complaint stated that one Abhishek Acharya from Nitte, Karkala, had threatened the complainant and circulated her obscene videos and photos on social media platforms. Before taking his own life, Abhishek reportedly sent his hanging photos to the complainant.

Following his death, Abhishek’s brother, Abhijith Acharya, along with others, allegedly circulated Abhishek’s death note and the complainant’s obscene pictures on various social media platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp groups, defaming and mentally harassing her. The complainant, who belongs to a Scheduled Caste, alleged that the acts amounted to casteist insult and outrage.

During the investigation, police found evidence that another person, identified as Nikhil Raj (27), a resident of Akash Bhavan, Kapigudda, Kavoor, Mangaluru, had sent a message containing casteist slurs in connection with the same case. Acting on the findings, Mangaluru Central sub-division ACP Pratap Singh Thorat arrested the accused on October 21. His mobile phone has been seized for further investigation, and he will be produced before the court.

Police said the case is being investigated under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and assured that strict action will be taken against all those involved in the offence.