MANGALURU: City police have arrested a 56-year-old man accused of posting derogatory and inflammatory content on social media earlier this year, bringing to an end a months-long search that spanned international borders. Commissioner of Police Sudheer Kumar Reddy C H confirmed that the arrested individual is Felix Edward Mathais, originally from Charkop, Mumbai, who had been working in Saudi Arabia at the time the case was registered.
Background to the case
In February 2024, a social media post containing derogatory remarks about the Bhagavad Gita and women began circulating widely, drawing strong reactions and prompting legal action. The Kankanady Town Police Station registered a case under several provisions, including Sections 153(A), 504, 507 and 509 of the Indian Penal Code, as well as Section 66(D) of the Information Technology Act, which pertains to impersonation and misleading communication using digital platforms.
Police investigations soon identified Felix Mathais as a key suspect behind the post. However, as he was residing in Saudi Arabia at the time, officers were unable to take action immediately. To ensure he could not evade the law, authorities issued a Look-Out Circular (LOC), alerting immigration departments across Indian airports to detain him upon arrival.
Arrest at Mumbai airport
According to the Commissioner, the LOC proved effective. On 5 December 2024, when Mathais landed at Mumbai International Airport, immigration officials detained him after discovering the outstanding LOC. They immediately informed Mangaluru City Police, who then travelled to Mumbai, formally arrested him, and brought him to Mangaluru for further investigation.
The police have also submitted a report to the court seeking to impound Mathais’ passport, a move often undertaken in cases where authorities believe a suspect poses a risk of fleeing the country. Following his arrest, Mathais was produced before the court and has since been remanded in judicial custody.
Co-accused arrested earlier
Commissioner Reddy further revealed that Mathais is not the only individual implicated in the case. Another accused, Ewigin John D’Souza, aged 57, had been arrested earlier on 11 August 2024. D’Souza too had been produced before the court and his arrest formed a crucial part of the investigation.
Officials indicated that both accused individuals are believed to have played roles in circulating or amplifying the objectionable content online. Investigators are now examining the extent of their involvement, including whether the content was created, shared knowingly, or disseminated as part of coordinated activity.
Police emphasise vigilance against online hate
Speaking about the case, Commissioner Reddy reiterated the city’s commitment to curbing the spread of hate speech, misinformation and derogatory content on social media. He emphasised that digital platforms, while enabling free expression and communication, cannot become a medium for inciting hatred between communities or disrespecting religious texts and women.
He stated that the police are working closely with cybercrime experts and social media monitoring units to trace the origin of harmful posts and ensure accountability. Authorities have also urged the public to exercise caution before sharing unverified or offensive content, reminding citizens that forwarding such material could attract penal action.
Legal proceedings and next steps
With both accused individuals now arrested, the case will move into its next phase. The court will examine evidence collected by the police, including digital footprints, device records, social media logs, and statements from relevant witnesses. Investigators are expected to pursue both technical and manual methods to strengthen the case, given the sensitive nature of the content involved.
Officials indicated that the request to impound Mathais’ passport reflects the seriousness of the case. If approved, the move will ensure that he remains available for questioning and cannot leave the country until the matter is resolved.
Conclusion
The arrest marks a significant development in the city’s efforts to crack down on online offences, particularly those that threaten communal harmony. With both accused now in custody, Mangaluru Police hope to complete a thorough investigation and present a strong case before the court.