Udupi: Karkala police have arrested a man in connection with a provocative social media post linked to the Udupi District Muslim Sauharda Paryaya Committee, which was formed to offer horekanike during the ongoing Shiroor Mutt Paryaya Mahotsava. The arrest comes amid heightened security and monitoring during the religious event, which attracts large public participation.
The arrested person has been identified as Sudhakar (37), a resident of Ambadekallu, Nitte, in Karkala taluk. Police said he was taken into custody following an investigation into objectionable content allegedly posted on social media platforms. Sudhakar was produced before the Karkala court, which remanded him to 15 days of judicial custody.
Objectionable social media posts under scrutiny
According to the police, Sudhakar and another suspect, identified as Sudip Shetty of Nitte, allegedly posted provocative and objectionable content on their respective Facebook accounts on January 3. The posts reportedly questioned the participation of the Udupi District Muslim Sauharda Paryaya Committee in the Paryaya procession and included remarks that were alleged to promote hatred between religious communities.
Police officials said the content had the potential to disturb public harmony, especially during the Paryaya Mahotsava, which is a significant religious and cultural event marked by processions, rituals and public gatherings. Authorities noted that social media posts made during such sensitive occasions are closely monitored to prevent the spread of misinformation or inflammatory content.
Suo motu case registered by police
Following the circulation of the posts, the Karkala Rural Police registered a suo motu separate case under Sections 196(1), 353(2) and 352 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. These sections pertain to promoting enmity between different groups, making statements conducive to public mischief and acts intended to insult or provoke, with the potential to disturb communal harmony.
Police said the decision to register a suo motu case was taken in view of the seriousness of the allegations and the possible impact on law and order. “Any attempt to incite hatred or disturb communal peace, especially during religious events, will be dealt with strictly as per the law,” a senior police officer said.
Special team formed, one accused absconding
A special police team was constituted to trace and apprehend the accused persons. Based on technical analysis and intelligence inputs, the team arrested Sudhakar from his residence. The other accused, Sudip Shetty, is currently absconding.
Police said efforts are on to locate and arrest the second accused. Search operations have been launched at possible hideouts, and surveillance has been intensified. Officials expressed confidence that the absconding accused would be apprehended soon.
Role of Sauharda Committee in Paryaya
The Udupi District Muslim Sauharda Paryaya Committee was formed as part of an initiative to promote communal harmony by participating in the Paryaya Mahotsava through offerings such as horekanike. Over the years, similar gestures involving members of different communities have been highlighted as symbols of mutual respect and coexistence.
Police officials said the objectionable posts attempted to question and undermine such initiatives, which could lead to misunderstandings and tensions among communities. Authorities reiterated that peaceful participation by all communities in cultural and religious events is protected under the law.
Police appeal for responsible social media use
In the wake of the incident, police have appealed to the public to exercise restraint and responsibility while using social media platforms. Officials warned that spreading unverified, inflammatory or hateful content could attract strict legal action.
“Social media users must be mindful of the consequences of their posts. Freedom of expression does not include the right to spread hatred or disturb public peace,” an official said, adding that cyber cells are actively monitoring online platforms during major public events.
Conclusion
The arrest in connection with the provocative social media post underscores the authorities’ zero-tolerance approach towards attempts to disrupt communal harmony during sensitive occasions. As the Shiroor Mutt Paryaya Mahotsava continues, police have assured that stringent measures are in place to maintain peace and order, while investigations into the incident remain ongoing.