Mangaluru: Man dies by suicide after beach dispute; protest with body outside Surathkal Police station

Mangaluru: Man dies by suicide after beach dispute; protest with body outside Surathkal Police station

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Oct 28, 2026: Tension prevailed outside Surathkal Police Station on Tuesday evening after local residents staged a protest with the body of a man who died by suicide, alleging that he was distressed over a police case registered against him following a dispute involving a young couple at a beachside location.

The deceased, identified as Somanath, a resident of Hosabettu, allegedly died by suicide at his residence on Monday morning after leaving behind a death note stating that he was responsible for his own death.

According to reports, two days earlier, a young man from Kasaragod and a woman from Delhi were at a fishing jetty near Hosabettu when some local residents objected to their presence. An argument reportedly broke out between the two sides. Following a complaint by the woman, Surathkal police registered a case against Somanath and summoned him for questioning.

Some local residents alleged that police harassment during the inquiry had caused Somanath severe mental distress, leading to his death. However, the circumstances surrounding his death and the allegations require further investigation.

On Tuesday evening, after the post-mortem examination, residents brought the body to Surathkal Police Station and staged a protest. Hundreds of local Mogaveera youths gathered at the spot, demanding action against the police and seeking registration of a case against the young couple as well.

MLA Bharat Shetty arrived at the police station and spoke to the protesters and police officials. He questioned the police over the incident and intervened to ease tensions. The gathering also disrupted traffic on the highway alongside the police station.

According to another account of the incident, Somanath, who reportedly had a drinking habit, had questioned the young couple on October 25 after allegedly noticing them behaving suspiciously near the beach. The subsequent police complaint is said to have left him distressed.

Protesters alleged that a false complaint had been filed against Somanath. They also raised concerns about alleged alcohol and drug consumption and unruly behaviour at beaches at night, urging the authorities to deploy additional police personnel in the area.

Following discussions involving MLA Bharat Shetty, local residents and police officials, it was decided that complaints from both sides would be received and appropriate action taken.

Police reportedly assured the protesters that they could submit a complaint against the young couple and that it would be registered as per procedure. The protesters subsequently took the body away, and traffic movement had returned to normal by around 9 pm, according to the police.

The allegations of police harassment and the circumstances leading to Somanath’s death remain to be established.