Mangaluru: Man arrested for circulating communally provocative fake messages on WhatsApp

Mangaluru: Man arrested for circulating communally provocative fake messages on WhatsApp

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, July 16, 2025: A man has been arrested for allegedly circulating false and communally provocative messages targeting a local entrepreneur via WhatsApp, according to a statement issued by the Surathkal police.

The complaint was filed by Rajesh, a resident of Honnakatte in Kulai, who operates RV Enterprises in Hosabettu, Surathkal. Rajesh alleged that certain individuals were spreading baseless accusations and fabricated narratives about him in WhatsApp groups, aiming to incite communal hatred within the Hindu community.

As per the complaint, the accused falsely claimed that Rajesh was involved in converting over 20 Hindu girls, distributing obscene CDs, and attempting to get his brother married to a 24-year-old Hindu woman. It was also alleged that the woman had stopped visiting temples and applying vermilion, and had begun attending church services. Police said these claims were shared with the intent to stir enmity and tarnish Rajesh’s reputation.

Following the complaint, a case was registered at the Surathkal police station on July 13 under Crime No. 93/2025, invoking Sections 352, 353(1), and 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

A police team led by Inspector Pramod Kumar and Sub-Inspector Raghu Naik, along with HC Annappa Vandse, arrested the main accused, identified as Ram Prasad alias Pocha (42), son of the late Sanjeev Achari and a resident of Vanadurga Engineering Works, Kulai. He was taken into custody on July 14 and reportedly confessed to the offence during interrogation. He was produced before the 2nd JMFC Court in Mangaluru and has been remanded to judicial custody.

The second accused, Lokesh Kodikere, had already been arrested in connection with another case (Crime No. 81/2025) registered at Padubidri police station and is currently lodged at the Udupi district jail in Hiriyadka. Police plan to produce him before the court via body warrant.

Authorities confirmed that further investigation is ongoing.