A police case has been registered in Sirsi after four Instagram accounts allegedly circulated false and defamatory content linking the suicide of Sub-Inspector Khierappa Ghatakambale to an unrelated Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe in Dharmasthala.
The complaint was filed by Kshama (20), daughter of the late officer, who served at the Bantwal Rural Police Station before his death, which authorities have attributed to personal reasons.
While browsing Instagram on July 28, Kshama came across disturbing posts that featured images of her father in uniform with misleading claims implying that his death was connected to a high-profile SIT case. She reported that these posts were designed to defame her father’s reputation, sow fear among the public, and raise unwarranted doubts about the circumstances of his passing.
Following her complaint, the New Market Police Station in Sirsi registered a case under Sections 352 and 353(1)(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), addressing offences related to intentional defamation and incitement.
Officials have confirmed that an investigation is underway, and action will be taken against those responsible for spreading malicious misinformation online.