VHP leader Sharan Pumpwell was taken into custody by Mangaluru police for sharing a provocative social media post

Mangaluru ;In a developing controversy in Mangaluru, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Sharan Pumpwell was detained by Kadri police after allegedly sharing a provocative video clip on social media. The clip, originally posted by BJP leader Vikas Puttur, featured a speech by an RSS leader discussing demographic statistics in Dakshina Kannada district, raising concerns about communal implications.

The speech excerpt claimed that out of 45,700 children born in the district over two years, 23,200 were Hindus and 22,200 were from minority communities, suggesting a disproportionate birth rate relative to population share. The speaker questioned the future of the region and the nation, implying demographic shifts could threaten societal stability.

Police registered a suo motu FIR against both Vikas Puttur and Sharan Pumpwell for sharing the content, citing potential to incite communal tension  . Pumpwell appeared before Mangaluru Law and Order DCP Mithun after receiving a notice and was reportedly released after providing a written undertaking  

Outside the Kadri police station, Hindu organization activists gathered in protest, accusing authorities of targeting Pumpwell unfairly and demanding the case be withdrawn. They argued that many others had shared the same video, questioning why only Pumpwell was detained.

Pumpwell expressed anger over the police action, stating, “As a social leader, I responded to societal developments. This is an attempt to suppress freedom of expression.” He criticized the manner of his detention, claiming he was not served a proper notice beforehand