Mangaluru: A man identified as Santosh, who is an accused in a previous murder case, allegedly assaulted a young couple near a railway track in Mangaluru in what is being described as an incident of moral policing. A video of the assault has since gone viral on social media, triggering widespread outrage.
According to preliminary information, the incident occurred when the couple was sitting near a railway track within city limits. Santosh reportedly confronted them and verbally abused them before physically attacking the young man. The entire episode was captured on a mobile phone and later circulated online.
Accused linked to earlier murder case
Santosh, who is reportedly from Puttur, is said to be an accused in the murder of Karthik, an activist associated with Hindu Jagran Vedike. The murder case had earlier drawn attention in the region, and legal proceedings are understood to be ongoing.
The latest incident has intensified scrutiny around the accused, with several citizens questioning how a person facing serious criminal charges was allegedly able to engage in further acts of violence.
Police sources said they have taken note of the viral video and are verifying the details, including the exact location and time of the incident. Officials are also working to identify the victims seen in the footage and record their statements.
Video sparks outrage
The video, widely shared across messaging platforms and social media, shows Santosh confronting the couple and physically assaulting the young man while the woman appears distressed. The footage has led to strong reactions from the public, with many condemning the act as vigilantism and unlawful moral policing.
Local residents have expressed concern over safety in secluded areas such as railway tracks and public spaces. Civil society members have reiterated that individuals have no authority to question or attack consenting adults in public places.
Legal experts point out that moral policing has no basis in law, and any form of assault or intimidation constitutes a criminal offence. They stressed that such actions can attract charges including assault, criminal intimidation and public nuisance, among others.
Police inquiry under way
Mangaluru police have stated that they are examining the viral video and gathering evidence. If a complaint is filed by the victims or if the offence is established based on available evidence, appropriate legal action will be initiated.
Authorities have appealed to the public not to share unverified content and to report incidents directly to the police. They also warned that taking the law into one’s own hands would not be tolerated.
The incident has once again brought the issue of moral policing into focus in coastal Karnataka, where similar episodes have occasionally been reported in the past. Citizens and activists have called for strict action to deter such behaviour and ensure that public spaces remain safe for all.
As the investigation progresses, police are expected to clarify the sequence of events and the legal steps being taken against the accused.