Udupi: Manipal police have arrested two youths in connection with a provocative social media post allegedly intended to create communal disharmony and spread hatred between religious communities. The arrests follow a suo motu case registered by police after the content came to their notice during monitoring and verification.
According to police sources, the objectionable post was circulated on social media on May 16, 2025, and reportedly contained derogatory references involving a married Hindu woman from Karkala and a Muslim youth. Investigators said the post appeared designed to inflame sentiments and trigger tension between communities.
Case registered on suo motu complaint
Police said they initiated action after receiving information about the post and assessing its potential to disturb public harmony. A suo motu complaint was registered at Manipal police station, following which a formal investigation was launched.
Officials stated that the content was examined for possible violations relating to promotion of enmity and deliberate attempts to insult or provoke communities through digital platforms. Cyber analysis teams were involved in tracing the origin and circulation pattern of the post.
Digital evidence helped trace accused
During the investigation, police collected and analysed digital evidence, including platform data, device signatures and metadata associated with the Instagram post. These technical leads helped investigators identify the accounts and devices allegedly used to create and circulate the content.
Based on the findings, police identified two suspects from Dakshina Kannada district and formed teams to trace and apprehend them.
The first accused, Nitesh K (20), son of Belliyappa Gowda and a resident of Puttur Road in Bantwal taluk, was arrested near Kalaba Junction in Puttur taluk on January 30.
The second accused, Hitesh A (19), son of Jayantha Gowda and a resident of Siribagilu village, Gundya Post, Kadaba taluk, was arrested at Lalbagh in Mangaluru on February 1.
Mobile phones seized, devices under analysis
Police said mobile phones used by the accused were seized at the time of arrest. The devices have been sent for further forensic examination to extract additional digital evidence, including chat records, upload history and account access logs.
Investigators are also examining whether the post was independently created or shared as part of a coordinated attempt to provoke communal reactions online.
Officials indicated that further arrests are possible if additional persons are found involved in creating, amplifying or distributing the content.
Produced before court
Following their arrest, both accused were produced before the competent court for further legal proceedings. Police have sought necessary permissions to continue digital and custodial investigation as required.
Authorities reiterated that strict action will be taken against individuals who misuse social media platforms to spread hatred, misinformation or communal provocation.
Police warn against sharing inflammatory content
Police have urged the public to exercise restraint and responsibility while posting or forwarding content on social media. Sharing unverified or inflammatory material, officials said, can lead not only to legal consequences but also to real-world tension and unrest.
Cyber monitoring units across the district continue to track sensitive content, especially posts relating to religion and community identity, to prevent escalation and maintain law and order.