Mangaluru: A woman from Belthangady taluk has been arrested by Mangaluru police for allegedly sharing communally provocative content on social media, police officials confirmed on Thursday.
According to Mangaluru City Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy CH, the arrest was made following an investigation into objectionable posts that were reportedly circulating online within the Bajpe police station limits earlier this year.
Case registered under BNS provisions
The case was registered at the Kankanady Town Police Station under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. The sections invoked include 353(1), 353(2), 61(2), and 55, which deal with offences related to public mischief, promoting enmity, and circulating harmful content.
Police stated that complaints were received regarding posts that allegedly incited communal sentiments and had the potential to disturb public harmony.
Investigation reveals social media activity
During the course of the investigation, officials traced the source of the posts to the accused woman from Belthangady taluk. It was found that she had shared content on social media platforms that was considered objectionable in nature.
Among the posts identified by investigators was a message containing remarks linking terrorism to a specific religion, along with similar content that authorities deemed capable of provoking communal tensions.
Based on the findings, police took the suspect into custody for further questioning.
Devices seized, legal proceedings initiated
Authorities have seized the mobile phone allegedly used to circulate the posts, along with the related digital content, as part of the evidence in the case.
Following her arrest, the accused was produced before a local court for further legal proceedings. Police officials have not disclosed additional personal details about the accused at this stage.
Police caution against misuse of social media
Mangaluru police have reiterated the importance of responsible use of social media platforms, warning that sharing content that promotes hatred or disrupts communal harmony can attract strict legal action.
Officials emphasised that monitoring of online platforms has been intensified, and any such violations will be dealt with firmly under the provisions of the law.
Conclusion
The incident highlights growing concerns over the misuse of social media to spread divisive content. Authorities continue to urge citizens to exercise caution and verify information before sharing, especially content that may affect communal peace.