Karnataka Police Register Six FIRs Over Communal Posts on Bantwal Murder

Karnataka Police have registered six First Information Reports (FIRs) against individuals accused of spreading misleading and communal content on social media following the murder of a 24-year-old nurse at a bus depot in Dakshina Kannada district. Officials said the action was taken to prevent the circulation of false information and maintain communal harmony in the sensitive coastal region.

According to police, five FIRs were registered in Bantwal town of Dakshina Kannada district, while one case was filed in Bengaluru. Authorities alleged that several social media accounts attempted to portray the murder as a communal incident by sharing unverified claims about the identity and affiliations of the accused. Police said some posts falsely claimed the accused belonged to a minority community, while others attempted to link him to various political organisations.

The victim, identified as Lavanya Gowda, was a nurse employed at a private clinic. She was allegedly attacked with a machete at the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus depot on B.C. Road in Bantwal on the evening of July 16. Police arrested the accused, identified as 22-year-old Chethan G, who is reportedly a distant relative of the victim.

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Investigators said the preliminary inquiry indicated that the murder was the result of a personal dispute rather than any communal motive. According to police, the accused allegedly attacked Lavanya after she repeatedly rejected his demands to enter into a relationship. Officials have urged the public not to circulate rumours or speculative narratives that could create unnecessary tension.

Police said cyber teams are monitoring social media platforms to identify individuals responsible for sharing misinformation or content capable of disturbing public order. Authorities warned that strict legal action would be taken against those found spreading false or inflammatory material, particularly in areas with a history of communal sensitivity.

The investigation into the murder and the circulation of misleading social media posts is continuing. Police have appealed to the public to rely only on verified information released through official channels and to refrain from forwarding unconfirmed messages that could hamper the investigation or disrupt communal harmony.

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