Police in Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka, have registered seven separate cases in connection with a series of violent incidents, including a mob attack on YouTubers and multiple instances of unlawful assembly near Dharmasthala on August 6, officials confirmed Thursday.
The clashes erupted on Wednesday evening, when a group of four men representing three YouTube channels, including a cameraman, were attacked by a large mob during an interview near Dharmasthala. The attack took place against the backdrop of an ongoing Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into an alleged mass burial case.
According to police, four FIRs were lodged at Dharmasthala Police Station and three at Belthangady Police Station. One complaint includes the assault on the YouTubers, damage to two vehicles, and the alleged attack on a private news channel reporter.
Another case involves unlawful assemblies at three locations: Pangala near Dharmasthala—where police had to resort to a lathi charge, within Dharmasthala Police Station premises, and outside Benaka Hospital.
The third FIR was filed over the gathering of 50 to 100 people outside the Dharmasthala police station without official permission.
Further, a resident of Beltangady alleged mob assault and destruction of his equipment near Pangala Cross, leading to the fourth FIR. The fifth was filed by a regional TV crime reporter, claiming assault near Benaka Hospital.
The remaining two complaints cite media interference and unlawful gatherings at the hospital, involving charges of obstruction of duty. All cases are under investigation, with video evidence being reviewed, police said.