Mangaluru: Continuing their crackdown on attempts to spread fake communal narratives, the Bantwal Rural police have booked Riyaz Kadambu for allegedly giving a communal twist to an ongoing case against Ashraf Talapady. Police said Kadambu’s Facebook post wrongly suggested that Muslims were being unfairly targeted, which they believe could incite communal tension.

Background of the case

The controversy began with a complaint filed by Umar Farooq, who alleged that he was attacked on June 13. Following an investigation, police submitted a ‘B’ report declaring the case false, which was later accepted by the jurisdictional court. Subsequently, Farooq was arrested for filing a false case and remanded to judicial custody.

When the arrest took place, Ashraf Talapady posted on Facebook claiming that an “innocent Muslim” was falsely implicated. Police viewed this post as inflammatory, capable of creating communal disharmony, and booked Talapady on August 31. The charges were filed under Sections 192 (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot), 353(1), and 353(2) (statements conducing to public mischief) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Kadambu’s involvement

While the matter was still under investigation, Riyaz Kadambu also posted on Facebook alleging that police were “targeting Muslims”. Police said Kadambu made these remarks without verifying the facts of the case. Considering the post to be an attempt to give a communal angle and provoke tension, the Bantwal Rural police registered another case, this time under Section 353(2) of BNS, against Kadambu.

Police stance

In a press note, the Bantwal Rural police clarified that such posts not only misrepresent facts but also have the potential to disturb communal harmony in the sensitive Dakshina Kannada region. Authorities added that strict action will be taken against anyone attempting to spread misinformation or communalise criminal cases.

Conclusion

The back-to-back cases against Talapady and Kadambu underline the police’s continued efforts to curb the spread of provocative and communal narratives on social media. Officials reiterated that individuals must exercise caution and responsibility before posting online, particularly on sensitive matters that could inflame tensions.