Mangaluru: Mahesh Vikram Hegde (45), chief of TV Vikrama, was arrested for allegedly posting an objectionable statement against the Chief Minister on social media. The arrest followed a complaint lodged at Moodbidri police station under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Social media post triggers case
According to police, Hegde, using the Facebook handle “Post Card,” posted a remark targeting the Chief Minister. The post read: “Honourable Chief Minister, if you dare to send a bulldozer once on the mosque of those who pelted stones on the Ganesh procession, such incidents will never recur anywhere in the state next year.”
The post was flagged as objectionable, leading to the registration of a case at Moodbidri police station (Crime No. 143/2025). Police invoked Section 353(2) of the BNS Act, which pertains to creating communal disharmony and inciting public disorder through written or spoken words.
Arrest and court proceedings
Moodbidri police carried out the investigation and traced Hegde to Bengaluru, where he was taken into custody. He was then produced before the CJ and KMFC court in Moodbidri on September 12.
The court examined the matter and subsequently remanded Hegde to judicial custody until September 15. Police officials confirmed that further investigation is underway, including digital forensic analysis of the content and examination of whether it was intended to incite communal tension.
Political and public reactions
The arrest of a prominent media figure has sparked conversations in political and media circles. While some argued that freedom of expression must be safeguarded, others said accountability is equally important when speech crosses into potentially inflammatory or communal territory.
Observers noted that social media has increasingly become a flashpoint for such controversies, where posts made by influential personalities can have widespread impact. Authorities reiterated that laws will be strictly enforced against provocative statements that may threaten public peace and order.
Conclusion
The case against Mahesh Vikram Hegde highlights the growing scrutiny of social media content in Karnataka. With his custody extended till September 15, further developments are expected as police continue their probe. The outcome of the investigation may also set a precedent for how objectionable online content is dealt with in the state.