Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Feb 5: Manipal police have arrested two youths in connection with a case involving a provocative social media post that allegedly attempted to create communal disharmony.

According to police sources, on May 16, 2025, a derogatory post involving a married Hindu woman from Karkala and a Muslim youth was circulated on social media platforms. The post was reportedly intended to spread hatred and create tension between religious communities.

Based on information gathered and a suo motu complaint, Manipal police registered a case. During the course of the investigation, police collected digital evidence and metadata related to the Instagram post. Based on this technical analysis, the accused were identified.

The first accused, Nitesh K (20), son of Belliyappa Gowda, a resident of Puttur Road in Bantwal taluk of Dakshina Kannada district, was arrested near Kalaba Junction in Puttur taluk on January 30.

The second accused, Hitesh A (19), son of Jayantha Gowda, a resident of Siribagilu village, Gundya Post, Kadaba taluk of Dakshina Kannada district, was arrested at Lalbagh in Mangaluru on February 1.

Police have seized mobile phones from both the accused in connection with the case. They were subsequently produced before the competent court for further legal proceedings.