Minor assaulted in moral policing incident at fair in Mangaluru, case filed

Mangaluru : A case of alleged moral policing has been reported from Belthangady in Dakshina Kannada district, where a 17-year-old minor boy was assaulted for attending a local fair with his school friends. The incident has raised concerns over vigilantism and communal targeting in the region.

According to police, the minor, a student of a private educational institution, had gone to a fair on March 11 along with his friends. During the visit, a group of individuals reportedly objected to the boy’s presence, alleging that he had come with girls belonging to another community. The accused allegedly abused and assaulted him at the venue.

Not stopping there, the attackers are said to have forcibly taken the boy on a motorcycle to a secluded location, where he was again assaulted. They allegedly coerced him into recording a video statement, making him admit to “mistakes” at the fair, before letting him go.

The victim, traumatised by the incident, remained silent for several days. The matter came to light only after his family noticed his distress and questioned him. Subsequently, the boy’s father filed a complaint at Belthangady Police Station.

Confirming the development, Dakshina Kannada Superintendent of Police Dr Arun Kumar stated that a case has been registered and further legal action is underway.

Police have booked the accused, including Gaurav Shetty and Ramesh, under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges related to assault, criminal intimidation, unlawful confinement, kidnapping, and abetment. Investigations are in progress to identify and apprehend all those involved.

The incident has once again highlighted the growing menace of moral policing and the need for strict enforcement of law to ensure safety and freedom, especially for minors.