Udupi Police to initiate action against those humiliating rape victim on social media

Disclosing details in public about the rape victim is a crime under Section 72 (1) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. | Photo Credit: Photo for representation only The Udupi Police is taking action against 150-odd social media profiles accused of humiliating a rape victim by sharing her private pictures and videos with the accused Pradeep Poojary, and holding a trial following the latter’s suicide on October 30.In a video statement, Udupi Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar said it was sad that in the last two days a social media trial is being held by sharing pictures and videos of the rape victim and Poojary, and humiliating the victim. Disclosing details in public about the rape victim is a crime under Section 72 (1) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Without knowing facts about the incident, the rape victim is being humiliated, he said.“We have listed social media profiles that have shared pictures and videos, and humiliated her. Action will be taken against all the account holders,’ Mr. Shankar said. The victim, after the sexual assault on November 29, 2025, underwent four days of psychological counselling after three days of treatment. She was leading an independent life after relocating to a new place, he said.On Monday night (November 2, 2026), the Udupi Deputy Commissioner R.K. Swaroopa, in order to maintain law and order, passed orders barring movement of people in groups and also prohibiting protest marches and agitations in Hiriyadaka police station limits from Tuesday (November 3, 2026) 6 a.m. to Saturday (November 7, 2026) 10 p.m.Chargesheet was filed against Pradeep Poojary for his alleged attempt to threaten the life of the victim on November 10, 2025. After getting released on bail in that case, Poojary sexually assaulted the victim in Doddapade on November 29, 2025, and chargesheet was filed in this case too. On October 28, 2026, Poojary attacked the victim in front of her house and threw chilli powder on the victim’s mother, who tried to save her daughter. The mother called her realtives, who assaulted Poojary, the SP said.In the hospital, Poojary gave a complaint about his assault. Instead of registering the FIR, the complaint was mentioned in the non-cognisable report. For the lapses in action, the Sub-inspector concerned has been removed from duty pending inquiry. “If the inquiry reveals any more lapses, the department will take further action,” the SP said.The attacks on the victim and on the accused will be investigated by Police Inspector Mahesh Prasad. Special teams have been formed to trace the persons who have assaulted the accused. Poojary ended his life on October 30. Published - November 02, 2026 09:37 pm IST