Mangaluru Witnesses Alarming Spike in Social Media Hate Crimes; Police Crack Down with New Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita
Mangaluru, May 8, 2025 (Team Udayavani) – A disturbing trend of communal hatred, fake news dissemination, and threatening messages has gripped the coastal city of Mangaluru, with social media platforms becoming the new battleground for malicious actors. The Mangaluru City Police Commissionerate has reported a dramatic surge in such cases, registering over 30 incidents within the past week alone. This alarming escalation has prompted a swift and decisive response from law enforcement, leveraging the newly implemented Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to curb the spread of online animosity and maintain social harmony.
Police Commissioner Anupam Agarwal addressed the public, confirming the disturbing trend and outlining the proactive measures being taken by the police to combat this digital menace. A dedicated special team, spearheaded by the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) of the Central Crime Police Station, has been formed to investigate these cases. The team is actively pursuing leads, interrogating suspects, and meticulously tracking down individuals operating behind fake profiles and foreign-registered accounts, often used as shields to spread inflammatory content and evade detection.
Commissioner Agarwal stressed the sophisticated capabilities of the police force in tracing these digital footprints, regardless of their origin. He issued a stern warning to the youth, urging them to exercise caution and responsibility in their online activities. He highlighted the potential long-term consequences of irresponsible social media use, emphasizing the impact on future prospects and employment opportunities. The Commissioner’s message underscores the growing recognition of online behavior as a crucial factor in personal and professional life.
The Mangaluru police have also launched a public awareness campaign, encouraging citizens to play an active role in combating online hate. They are advising against forwarding any hate-filled or provocative messages and urging individuals to immediately report such content to the Central Crime Police Station. This collaborative approach aims to create a vigilant community that actively counters the spread of harmful online material.
Harnessing the powers granted under the BNSS, the police are invoking preventive sections 126 and 129. These sections empower law enforcement to demand signed undertakings and good conduct bonds from individuals suspected of engaging in online offenses. This proactive approach aims to deter future violations and ensure accountability for online actions. Any breach of these undertakings during the stipulated period could result in significant fines or even imprisonment.
Commissioner Agarwal appealed to the citizens of Mangaluru to collectively uphold peace and harmony within the city. “To make Mangaluru a peaceful, lawful, and united city, all citizens must act responsibly on social media,” he stated in a public release. This call for collective responsibility emphasizes the crucial role of every citizen in maintaining a peaceful online environment and preventing the spread of hatred and misinformation. The Commissioner’s statement reflects the broader understanding that online spaces are an extension of the physical community and require the same level of responsible behavior. The rising tide of online hate crimes underscores the need for proactive measures, both from law enforcement and the community, to safeguard the social fabric of Mangaluru.
The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and its implications for online offences:
The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) introduces significant changes to the legal landscape governing online activities. The provisions highlighted below reflect the government’s commitment to holding individuals accountable for their online actions and preventing the misuse of digital platforms for spreading hatred and misinformation:
-
Spreading Communal Hatred (Section 196): This section carries a penalty of up to 5 years imprisonment, a fine, or both, highlighting the severity of inciting communal disharmony.
-
Inciting Riots or Violence (Section 192): This provision penalizes those who incite riots or violence with up to 6 months imprisonment, a fine, or both, aiming to prevent the escalation of online tensions into real-world violence.
-
Issuing Threats (Section 351(1)): Issuing threats online can now result in up to 7 years imprisonment, a fine, or both, signifying the serious nature of online threats and their potential impact on individuals’ safety and well-being.
-
Online Hate Speech (Section 351(1)(a)): This section specifically targets online hate speech, carrying a penalty of up to 2 years imprisonment, a fine, or both, demonstrating a commitment to curbing online harassment and discrimination.
- Spreading Fake News or False Information (Sections 353(1) & 353(2)): The dissemination of fake news and false information is punishable by up to 3 years imprisonment, a fine, or both, recognizing the damaging consequences of misinformation in the digital age.
The implementation of the BNSS signifies a significant step towards regulating online spaces and holding individuals accountable for their digital actions. The stricter penalties aim to deter the spread of hate speech, fake news, and other harmful content, fostering a safer and more responsible online environment. The effectiveness of these new provisions will depend on effective enforcement and continued public awareness campaigns to promote responsible online behavior. The Mangaluru police, under Commissioner Agarwal’s leadership, are actively utilizing these new tools to combat the surge in online hate crimes and maintain peace and harmony within the city.