Mangaluru: The Beltangady Police have registered a case against five identified persons and a few others in connection with an alleged incident of moral policing at Didupe Falls in Malavantige village of Dakshina Kannada district.
The case was registered following a complaint lodged by a young woman from Mangaluru, who alleged that she and her male friend were abused, questioned about their relationship and community, and threatened by a group of men while visiting the tourist spot.
Police said an investigation has been launched and legal action will be taken against those found responsible.
Duo allegedly confronted at parking area
According to the complaint, the woman, who is employed in Mangaluru, had visited the scenic Didupe Falls along with a male friend on her weekly day off.
When they reached the parking area near the waterfall, they were allegedly intercepted by a group of five to six men.
The complainant alleged that the group questioned her for travelling with a youth belonging to another community.
Abuse and threats alleged
The complaint further stated that the men allegedly behaved aggressively, verbally abused the duo and issued threats to their lives.
The incident reportedly caused fear and distress to the complainant, following which she approached the Beltangady Police and lodged a formal complaint seeking legal action against those involved.
Police have not disclosed any further details regarding the sequence of events beyond what has been stated in the complaint.
Five persons named in FIR
Based on the complaint, the Beltangady Police registered a case under Crime No. 75/2026.
The accused have been identified as Ranjith, Sudarshan, Swastik, Pradeep, and Deekshith, along with a few other unidentified persons.
Police said efforts are under way to identify the remaining individuals allegedly involved in the incident.
Case registered under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
The police have invoked Sections 126(2), 352, 351(2), read with Section 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
Officials said a detailed investigation has been initiated to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident and verify the allegations made in the complaint.
They added that appropriate legal action will be taken against those found guilty after the investigation is completed.
Police reiterate action against moral policing
The registration of the case comes amid continued efforts by law enforcement agencies to curb incidents of moral policing, which have drawn concern in several parts of coastal Karnataka over the years.
Police have urged members of the public to report such incidents promptly so that action can be taken in accordance with the law.
The investigation into the alleged incident at Didupe Falls is continuing.