Udupi: Udupi district police have warned of strict legal action against individuals circulating private photographs and posting defamatory content about a rape survivor on social media. Police have identified around 150 social media accounts allegedly involved in the online harassment, Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar said on Monday,

The police warning comes amid widespread online discussions surrounding a series of cases involving the survivor and Pradeep Poojary. The SP condemned attempts to publicly shame the woman, stating that such online harassment violates her dignity and attracts legal action.

Police Identify Around 150 Social Media Accounts

According to Hariram Shankar, around 150 social media profiles have been identified for allegedly sharing the survivor’s private photographs or spreading defamatory content about her. Police are examining the accounts and will initiate proceedings against those found responsible.

The SP said that circulating photographs and content intended to humiliate a survivor of sexual assault is illegal. He referred to Section 72(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which provides protection against the disclosure of the identity of victims of certain sexual offences.

He expressed concern that the woman was being subjected to an online trial despite the investigation having produced evidence supporting the sexual assault allegations.

Police Explain Sequence of Incidents

Addressing the media, the SP outlined three incidents involving the woman and Pradeep Poojary.

The first incident reportedly occurred on November 10, 2025, when Poojary allegedly intercepted the woman while she was travelling on a scooter and threatened to kill her if she refused to marry him. A case was registered, and he was arrested.

The second incident took place on November 29, 2025, after Poojary allegedly secured bail. According to the police, he forcibly took the woman to a forested area near Doddapade, threatened her and sexually assaulted her.

The SP stated that medical examination and scientific evidence supported the sexual assault allegations. A chargesheet was subsequently filed in the case. The survivor also underwent psychological counselling following the incident.

Police Address October 28 Attack

The third incident reportedly took place on October 28, 2026, when Poojary allegedly attacked the woman near her residence and attempted to kill her. When her mother intervened, he allegedly threw chilli powder at her.

According to the SP, the woman’s mother alerted relatives for assistance, following which around seven to eight people arrived at the location and allegedly assaulted Poojary. Police reached the spot and shifted him to hospital.

Poojary later died by suicide. A separate case relating to abetment to suicide was registered, and an investigation was initiated.

The SP also referred to audio and video recordings and other material recovered during the investigation. He said an audio recording allegedly contained Poojary stating that he had come to kill the woman.

He rejected claims circulating on social media that Poojary had been kidnapped, stating that the available evidence did not support such versions.

Police Officer Removed Following Investigation Into Complaint

The SP acknowledged a lapse in the police response to the complaint filed by Poojary after the alleged assault. Instead of registering a First Information Report (FIR), the concerned sub-inspector had initially registered a non-cognisable report.

The officer has been removed from duty, and a departmental inquiry has been initiated to examine the circumstances surrounding the registration of the complaint. The SP said further action would follow if any dereliction of duty was established.

Meanwhile, five special police teams have been formed to trace and arrest those accused of assaulting Poojary. The SP reiterated that nobody has the right to take the law into their own hands and that all allegations would be investigated through the legal process.

SP Appeals Against Online Harassment

The police have urged the public not to circulate the survivor’s photographs, private images or unverified information about the case. The SP stressed that sharing such material can cause further harm to the survivor and may invite criminal proceedings.

The police warning highlights the importance of protecting the privacy and dignity of sexual assault survivors, particularly when sensitive information is circulated widely through social media platforms.

Udupi police have stated that action will be taken against those identified as responsible for online harassment and the circulation of private photographs. The investigations into the related criminal cases are also continuing.