Mangaluru: The Bantwal Rural Police have arrested a 48-year-old man for allegedly filing a false complaint of being attacked, in an attempt to create fear and provoke unrest in the community. The accused, identified as Umar Farooq, a resident of Sajipa Munnur in Bantwal taluk, was remanded to judicial custody by the Additional Civil Judge and Judicial Magistrate First Class (ACJ & JMFC) Court till 6 September 2025.
The incident and false complaint
According to police reports, Umar Farooq lodged a complaint on 11 June 2025, alleging that two unidentified men had attacked him with a sword near Deraje bus stop in Sajipanadu village. He claimed the attack occurred in the early hours while he was travelling by jeep from Nandavara to Deralakatte.
Based on his complaint, the Bantwal Rural Police initially registered a case under Sections 109, 324 (4) read with 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023. The seriousness of the complaint prompted an immediate investigation, considering the potential implications for law and order in the area.
Investigation reveals fabricated claims
However, during the course of investigation, the police uncovered inconsistencies in Farooq’s statements and lack of corroborative evidence. Officials confirmed that the alleged assault did not occur and that the complaint was entirely fabricated. A report was subsequently submitted to the court outlining the false nature of the allegations.
Further inquiry revealed that Farooq had deliberately lodged the complaint with an intention to create panic and incite unrest among the local population. Authorities stated that such false complaints not only misuse police resources but also risk escalating tensions in sensitive regions.
Fresh case registered against accused
Following confirmation of the false allegations, Bantwal Rural Police registered a fresh case against Umar Farooq under Sections 192, 353(1)(b), 230(1), and 248(A) of BNS-2023. These sections pertain to fabricating evidence, obstructing lawful authority, and actions likely to disturb public peace.
The accused was arrested and produced before the ACJ & JMFC Court, which remanded him to judicial custody till 6 September. Police sources indicated that further investigation would determine whether any accomplices or external influences were involved in filing the fabricated report.
Authorities urge public to avoid false complaints
Officials have urged citizens to refrain from lodging false complaints, emphasising that such actions divert valuable police time and resources from genuine cases. They also warned that filing misleading reports could lead to strict legal consequences, including imprisonment.
Conclusion
The incident has raised concerns over the increasing misuse of law enforcement mechanisms to create unrest. Police have assured that they will remain vigilant and take stringent action against individuals attempting to spread fear through fabricated claims. The case serves as a reminder that maintaining public trust and law and order requires responsibility from both authorities and the community.