Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Aug 19: Udupi district police have registered two separate cases in connection with online hate speech content.

On August 16, a complaint was filed against the accused Mahesh Shetty Thimarodi for allegedly using obscene and defamatory language against BJP national general secretary (Organization) B L Santosh through a Facebook page. It is alleged that he insulted and defamed a Hindu religious leader using abusive words, thereby creating hatred and enmity between different religions and communities. Based on a complaint by Rajeev Kulal, president of Udupi Rural BJP Mandal, Brahmavar police station has registered a case against Mahesh Shetty Thimarodi.

At Beltangady police station, on August 9, a case was registered against a person named Kota Vasanth Giliyar for posting an edited map of Dharmasthala Temple area on his Facebook account, with comments inciting communal violence and provoking attacks on religious institutions. The post allegedly attempts to provoke conflict between religions, castes, and communities by highlighting temples and mosques on the map in red and blue colours.

The same Facebook post was reposted by Sharath Shetty from Vaddarse, which falls under the jurisdiction of Kota police station. A zero FIR has been registered at Kota police station.