MANIPAL: The Manipal police have arrested two youths for allegedly posting derogatory content on social media with the intent to incite communal hatred. The posts concerned a married Hindu woman from Karkala and a Muslim youth.

Identity of the Accused: The arrested individuals have been identified as Nitesh K (20) from Bantwal and Hitesh A (19) from Kadaba, Dakshina Kannada district. Using metadata analysis from Instagram, police tracked and apprehended Nitesh near Kallaba Junction in Puttur and Hitesh in the Lalbagh area of Mangaluru.

Case Details: The incident dates back to May 16, 2025, when the controversial post first appeared online. Recognizing the potential for communal unrest, the Manipal police filed a suo motu case under Sections 353(2) and 56 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) (Crime No. 105/2025).

Legal Proceedings: The police have seized the mobile phones used for uploading the content. The accused have been produced before the court for further legal action. Authorities have warned that strict action will be taken against those using digital platforms to disrupt social harmony.