Representative image of an arrest.
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Udupi: In an alleged case of moral policing, the Kundapura town police have arrested a man for confronting minor students hailing from different faiths.
Superintendent of Police Dr Arun K said that the incident had occurred on April 8 and a case was registered at Kundapura town station under sections sections 126(2), 115(2), 352, 351(2), 75, of the BNS and section 75 of Juvenile Justice Act.
Explaining the incident, the SP said two girls and two boys from the same class had been to Manipal after completing their exams. On their return journey, the group boarded a bus and reached Kundapura.
When a boy and a girl alighted from the bus, a man who had been observing them confronted them and asked them why they were together as they belonged to different faiths.
Later, the man warned the minor boy and assaulted him. Based on the complaint, a case was registered, and the police arrested Mahesh, who was later produced before the court.
The man had allegedly used abusive language at the boy, asking, "Do you need a girl of a different faith to roam around?” The accused also allegedly threatened to kill them if the girl was seen with boys of different faith again.
Following the incident, on April 10, the girl's mother along with Byndoor MLA and his followers arrived at the police station and filed another complaint asking to take action against the minor boy.
However, the police explained to them that FIR can not be registered against a minor boy. They were explained on what legal action would be taken. Later, they disbursed from the station.
As all four victims are minors, proceedings will follow the guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court, said the SP.