According to the police, edited photographs of the accused were spread online giving them a communal and political colour. In many posts, he was wrongly described as a Hindu activist, a member of Bajrang Dal and a Congress worker and linked him to a particular community. Officials said these posts risked disturbing communal harmony in the communally sensitive Mangaluru area.
Bantwal police arrested ‘Troll Master’, ‘Udaif Anakkal’, ‘Hiba Fatima’, ‘Padmraj’, ‘Alia Alifa’, ‘Sailaja Amarnath’, ‘Chetan Belchada’, ‘Harsh K. Cases have been registered against social media accounts identified as ‘Shetty’ and ‘Kiran Aaradhya’.
Police said some social media users alleged that the accused was trained by Bajrang Dal and the incident was used to target Hindu organisations, leading to debate and counter-debate on social media platforms.
Police officials said, “Given the possibility of communal tension in the area, we cannot take any risk. The action against inflammatory and provocative social media posts in Mangaluru has been going on for many years.”
This action has been taken after the brutal murder of Lavanya, a resident of Kakyapadavu. She worked in a private nursing home in Kalladka. He was murdered in broad daylight at Bantwal bus stand on Thursday.
Police identified the accused as Chetan (22) and later arrested him. Initial investigation revealed that the young man was stalking Lavanya after she rejected his advances.
The investigating officers are also probing reports of the accused’s alleged association with any Hindu organization. However, the police has not made any official confirmation on this matter.
According to investigation, Lavanya was boarding a KSRTC bus to return to her home in Kakyapadavu when Chethan allegedly sat next to her. During the journey, she allegedly called a relative and informed that a young man was sitting next to her. Shortly after this the phone got disconnected.
Eyewitnesses said that the accused chased Lavanya after she got down at Bantwal bus stand. It is alleged that he took out a big knife hidden in his bag and attacked her several times in front of everyone.
Despite trying to escape, she received multiple injuries and collapsed. He died before he could get medical help. The accused fled immediately after the attack.
An important thing is that some parts of the attack were recorded in a passerby’s mobile phone and CCTV. This video has become quite viral on social media.
The murder has sparked widespread outrage in Mangaluru and renewed concerns over the safety of women in public places. The incident comes just days after another violent attack in Manchi village in the same taluk, where a minor girl waiting at a bus stop was allegedly stabbed and seriously injured.
Mangaluru Superintendent of Police Arun K. Including senior police officers visited the spot and reviewed the investigation. Special teams have been formed to trace and arrest the accused.
This shocking murder, which took place in a crowded public place, has created a sensation in Mangaluru. Local people are demanding speedy justice for the victim and strict security arrangements at public transport centres.
