Mangaluru: A viral WhatsApp message containing inflammatory content and urging people to “increase numbers before Mangaluru becomes mini-Bangladesh” has led to the registration of First Information Reports (FIRs) against two individuals, police officials said on Thursday. The post, which circulated widely on social media groups, was flagged for its potential to incite communal tension and violence against innocent people.
According to the police, the post was allegedly created by a person identified as Ravindra and referred to a Bengali canteen operating near the Rav and Rav Circle rickshaw stand. The message claimed that unauthorised shops had come up in the area and alleged that illegal activities, including sex work, were taking place, while accusing the police of ignoring the situation. The post urged people to share the message widely to alert Hindu organisations and “save Mangaluru”, triggering concern among law enforcement agencies.
Police flag risk of incitement and violence
City Police Commissioner said the WhatsApp message was not only misleading but also capable of provoking attacks on innocent individuals. He noted that in recent times, there had been incidents in which Indian migrant workers were targeted in the city based on rumours and unverified claims. In such cases, the police had taken swift action against those involved in violence.
Officials said the viral message was shared in several WhatsApp groups, increasing its reach and the risk of misuse. Preliminary investigation found that the content could disturb public peace and promote hostility against a particular group, prompting the registration of FIRs against two persons involved in creating and circulating the post.
Verification of claims and background check
During the investigation, police examined the claims made in the viral message. Authorities said they verified the background of the family referred to in the post and confirmed that property in the said area had been legally purchased in their name as early as 2014. This, police said, contradicted the insinuations made in the message about illegal occupation and recent infiltration.
The Commissioner stated that spreading unverified allegations through social media platforms, especially those that portray individuals as foreigners or illegal migrants without evidence, is a serious offence. Such actions, he said, could lead to communal disharmony and violence.
Advisory to the public on reporting illegal residents
Police clarified that if citizens have genuine information about individuals suspected to be illegal migrants from Bangladesh, they should report it directly to local police stations, Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs), or the Commissioner’s office. Authorities assured that all such complaints would be examined thoroughly, including verification of records and documents.
“If, after proper verification, it is found that any person is residing illegally in the country, legal action will be taken strictly as per law, and deportation will follow due process,” the Commissioner said. He emphasised that there was an established legal framework to deal with such cases and that vigilantism or public accusations were neither required nor acceptable.
Warning against spreading rumours and hate messages
Police issued a strong warning to individuals who share messages claiming someone is Bangladeshi or illegal without proper proof. Officials said that such acts, whether motivated by malice or misinformation, would attract legal consequences. They also cautioned against forwarding posts that could incite attacks or create fear among communities.
“Any Indian citizen spreading false information or messages that provoke violence will face strict legal action,” the Commissioner said, adding that FIRs had already been registered against two individuals in connection with the viral WhatsApp post and that arrests would be made soon.
Law applies equally to all, say police
Authorities reiterated that anyone found living in the country illegally would be dealt with firmly but fairly, following due legal process. At the same time, police stressed that taking the law into one’s own hands, even against illegal residents, would not be tolerated.
“Anyone attacking others, irrespective of the victim’s legal status, is committing a criminal offence,” the Commissioner said. He added that cases would be registered against those involved in assaults, intimidation or property damage.
Call for restraint and responsible use of social media
Police appealed to the public to exercise restraint and responsibility while using social media platforms such as WhatsApp. They urged citizens to verify information before sharing and to refrain from forwarding messages that could inflame communal sentiments.
Concluding, the Commissioner said the rule of law would be enforced strictly and impartially. “The law exists to protect everyone. Anyone who disrespects it or attempts to disturb communal harmony will be dealt with according to the state’s legal framework,” he said.