Puttur: The Puttur Town Police have registered cases against seven web news portals and social media handles for allegedly publishing and circulating content that could incite communal sentiments and disturb public peace following a recent incident at Purusharakatte in Puttur.

According to an official press release issued by the police, the cases were registered after complaints alleged that the platforms broadcast misleading and communally sensitive content instead of reporting the facts surrounding the incident. Police said the posts allegedly attempted to portray the incident through a communal lens, creating divisions between Hindu and Muslim communities.

Cases registered after Purusharakatte incident

The action follows an incident that took place at Purusharakatte in Puttur on Wednesday, July 8.

Police said that after the incident, several digital media platforms and social media accounts allegedly published content that did not accurately reflect the facts of the case. Instead, the content was reportedly framed in a manner that could inflame communal sentiments and disrupt peace.

Following complaints from aggrieved individuals, the Puttur Town Police initiated separate criminal cases against the identified platforms.

Seven media platforms named in FIRs

According to the police, cases have been registered under Section 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, against the following web portals and social media handles:

  • Puttur Chavadi (Instagram page)
  • Hosa Digantha
  • Zoomintv.online
  • Newsfocuskannada.com
  • Udayavani
  • Prakharanews.com
  • Karnataka Portfolio (@karnatakaportf on X)

The police alleged that the content shared by these platforms had the potential to create communal discord and disturb law and order.

The registration of the cases marks the beginning of the investigation, and the allegations are yet to be tested through the legal process.

Police warn against spreading provocative content

The Dakshina Kannada police have issued a stern warning against the publication or circulation of messages capable of disturbing communal harmony.

In the official statement, the department said stringent legal action would be initiated against any individual or organisation found broadcasting, publishing or forwarding communally provocative or misleading information that threatens peace within the district police limits.

Officials urged media organisations, social media users and the public to verify information before sharing it and to avoid circulating unverified content that could create tension between communities.

Appeal to maintain communal harmony

The police reiterated that maintaining communal harmony and public order remains a priority, particularly during sensitive incidents that have the potential to trigger unrest.

Authorities have appealed to citizens to rely only on verified information issued through official channels and refrain from sharing rumours or misleading content on social media.

The investigation into the registered cases is underway, and further action will be taken based on the findings of the inquiry.