Mangaluru student arrested for sending obscene messages, blackmailing women in Bhatkal

Mangalore Today News Network

Bhatkal, January 21, 2026: Bhatkal police have arrested a 19-year-old youth for allegedly sending obscene messages to women and blackmailing them using fake social media accounts.

The accused has been identified as Mehran Mehtab Shabandari, a native of Manki in Honnavar taluk and a resident of Tulasi Katte in Kumta. Police said he was pursuing a BCA course at a private college in Mangaluru.

According to the police, the accused would secretly photograph women at social gatherings such as weddings attended by strangers. He allegedly uploaded these images on social media and sent obscene messages to the women via email. Investigators found that he was operating at least 18 fake email IDs.

Police said the accused harassed women by pressuring them to send nude photographs. When they refused, he allegedly threatened them with dire consequences, including death threats, while invoking the names of Hindu religious leaders.

The case came to light after a woman from Bhatkal filed a complaint at the Bhatkal Town Police Station. The matter was later transferred to the cyber-crime division, which, after investigation, took the accused into custody.

Following his arrest, several other women have approached the police with similar complaints. A case has been registered at the Bhatkal Town Police Station, and further investigation is underway.

The accused has been produced before the court and remanded to judicial custody.