Udupi: The Udupi district police have booked two separate cases relating to hate speech and provocative social media content.
In the first case, filed on August 16, Mahesh Shetty Thimarodi was accused of posting defamatory remarks against BJP national general secretary (Organisation) B L Santosh on a Facebook page. He allegedly used abusive language targeting a Hindu religious leader, which, according to the complaint, could trigger hostility between communities. Following a complaint lodged by Rajeev Kulal, president of Udupi Rural BJP Mandal, the Brahmavar police registered a case against him.
The second case, registered on August 9 at Beltangady police station, was against Kota Vasanth Giliyar for allegedly uploading an edited map of the Dharmasthala Temple area with inflammatory comments. The post reportedly highlighted temples and mosques in contrasting colours—red and blue—aimed at provoking communal discord and violence against religious institutions.
The same objectionable post was further shared by Sharath Shetty from Vaddarse, under the jurisdiction of Kota police station. Consequently, a zero FIR was filed at the Kota station to ensure legal proceedings.
Police have confirmed that both cases are being investigated, stressing that any attempt to disturb communal harmony through online platforms will be dealt with strictly.