Three arrested for circulating derogatory video linked to Pikale suicide
Karwar; In a significant development in the suicide case of medicine distributor Rajeev Pikale of Karwar, the Ankola police have arrested three persons for allegedly circulating a derogatory video on social media, which investigators say pushed the victim into severe mental distress.
The accused have been identified as Subhash, Harishchandra and Anil, residents of Vailawad village in Ankola taluk. Police said the trio had recorded and widely shared a video related to an incident at Pikale Hospital, which later went viral on YouTube and other social media platforms.
Rajeev Pikale, a medicine distributor working at Pikale Nursing Home in Karwar, was found dead on Wednesday at Aversa village in Ankola taluk. He had allegedly died by suicide after shooting himself with a double-barrel gun. The incident sent shockwaves across the district, prompting police to launch an intensive investigation.
what is the case about
According to the police, around 15 days before the incident, a video was recorded at Pikale Hospital alleging distribution of expired medicines. The video, which questioned the hospital staff over the alleged lapse, was uploaded and circulated repeatedly on social media by the accused.
Following the viral spread of the video, Rajeev Pikale had reportedly issued a public apology, clarifying that the incident occurred due to an unintentional oversight. He had assured that corrective measures would be taken to prevent such mistakes in the future.
However, despite the apology, the video continued to resurface on social media platforms, accompanied by alleged abusive and defamatory commentary. Police sources said Pikale was deeply affected by the repeated circulation of the video and the public humiliation that followed. He was under severe psychological stress in the days leading up to his death.
Given the seriousness of the suicide case, Ankola police intensified the probe and focused on identifying those responsible for making the video viral. During the course of investigation, the role of the three accused was established, leading to their arrest.
A senior police officer said that legal action has been initiated against the accused under relevant sections of law for abetment, harassment and misuse of social media platforms. “The investigation is ongoing, and further action will be taken based on the evidence collected,” the officer said.
The case has once again raised concerns over irresponsible use of social media and the psychological impact of online shaming. Police have urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified or humiliating content online, warning that strict legal action will be taken in such cases.
Further investigation is underway.
