Seven men- Karthik, Rakesh Saldana, Jeevan, Sandeep, Rakshith, Shravan, and Suresh, have been arrested by Mangaluru police in connection with the alleged gang rape of a minor college student, which was recorded and circulated online.
The incident unfolded after the survivor befriended one of the accused on Instagram, leading to a planned assault in June 2025. All accused are now in judicial custody under charges including those from the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the IT Act. Police have urged the public not to disseminate the explicit video and have reassured that the investigation is ongoing.
Online Connections Turned Violent
Police reports reveal the survivor, a junior college student, became acquainted with Karthik on Instagram about two months prior to the incident, developing into a romantic relationship. On the last Saturday of June, Karthik invited her for lunch in Valachil before driving to a secluded wooded area near Adyar Falls, where the assault took place.
Both Karthik and his friend Rakesh Saldana raped the minor, with Karthik reportedly filming the act. The distressing video was later shared among their peers, leading to further trauma and public outrage.
“The girl became friends with Accused No. 1 on Instagram and went to a secluded place with him and his friend. Both the accused engaged in a sexual act with the girl and recorded the video, which was later circulated,” said Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy.
Legal Action and Community Response
Mangaluru police arrested the two alleged rapists and five others for abetting and circulating the video, invoking the POCSO Act, sections related to gang rape, and the IT Act. All seven are in judicial custody while police investigate further. Officials have emphasised that anyone caught sharing or forwarding the explicit material could face serious charges, as authorities remain vigilant against the spread of such content.
The survivor’s complaint was registered promptly, resulting in swift action by local law enforcement. The case has triggered intense debate about the risks and misuse of social media platforms, especially concerning the safety of young women and children.
A Wake-Up Call for Digital Safety
This incident highlights the acute dangers online platforms can pose to minors and the severe consequences of digital exploitation. Authorities urge families and educational institutions to educate children about the risks of online interactions, advocating open communication and vigilance around social media usage.
Community leaders and experts have called for improved digital literacy, more robust reporting mechanisms, and coordinated support systems for survivors. As the trial unfolds, the case continues to draw attention to the urgent need for both preventive education and stronger punitive measures for online-enabled abuse.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This horrific episode is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by our youth and the collective responsibility to foster safer environments—both online and offline.
The Logical Indian stands with the survivor, her family, and all advocating for dignity, justice, and comprehensive protection under the law. As a society, let’s channel our anguish into action, championing empathy, education, and accountability.
