Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)
Udupi, Nov 2: Udupi district superintendent of police Hariram Shankar has clarified the sequence of events in the case involving Pradeep Poojary and a young woman. He stated that five special teams have been formed to arrest the accused who assaulted Pradeep in the latest incident. He also warned against taking the law into one's own hands and spreading defamatory content about the rape survivor on social media.
Addressing the media, the SP stated that the young woman had first lodged a complaint against Pradeep on November 10, 2025, alleging that he had threatened to kill her if she refused to marry him. Pradeep was arrested in connection with this case.
After securing bail, Pradeep allegedly took the woman to a place called Doddapade on the morning of November 29, 2025, where he threatened to kill her and raped her. According to the SP, the rape allegation in this case was established based on the woman's statement and medical records. Charge sheets have been filed in both these cases.
The third incident reportedly took place on November 28, 2026. According to the police, Pradeep allegedly attempted to kill the woman when she stepped out after a bath. He also allegedly threw chilli powder at her mother.
The SP said an audio recording contains Pradeep allegedly stating clearly that he had come to kill the woman. He dismissed claims that Pradeep had been kidnapped, terming them far from the truth.
Medical records are also available confirming that the woman and her mother were admitted to a hospital following the incident, he said.
According to the SP, the woman's mother called her relatives to the spot, following which around seven to eight people allegedly assaulted Pradeep. After the police arrived, Pradeep was shifted to the hospital.
The SP further revealed that the complaint regarding the assault on Pradeep was initially registered only as a non-cognizable (NC) report instead of an FIR. In connection with this lapse, the concerned sub-inspector has already been suspended from duty, and a departmental inquiry is underway.
A separate complaint alleging abetment to suicide has also been registered in connection with the case.
"Five teams have been constituted to trace and arrest the accused. Sincere efforts are being made in this regard. However, nobody has the right to take the law into their own hands," the SP said.
SP condemns social media trial against survivor
Expressing serious concern over the developments on social media over the past two days, SP Hariram Shankar said it was unfortunate that the young woman was being subjected to a trial on social media.
"The charge sheets have been filed based on the facts established during the investigation. However, photographs of the survivor, including private photographs, are being circulated on social media in an attempt to defame her. This is illegal and will invite legal action," he warned.
The SP disclosed that the police have already identified around 150 social media accounts allegedly involved in spreading defamatory content about the woman.
He said strict legal action would be initiated against those responsible for spreading misinformation and making defamatory posts without verifying the facts.