Drunk Man in Karnataka's Belagavi Triggers Police Hunt with Fake Rape-Murder Call
The Belagavi police in Karnataka have registered a case against a 31-year-old man for allegedly making a false emergency call to the helpline 112, claiming a rape and murder incident that never occurred. The incident, which took place on the evening of February 4, 2026, has highlighted the severe consequences of misusing emergency services, as it diverts critical police resources and hampers responses to genuine emergencies.
Details of the False Alert
According to police reports, Shivanand Parashuram Koppalkar, a resident of Nehru Nagar in Dharwad district, called the Police Control Room and asserted that a rape and murder had happened at a lodge under the jurisdiction of the Udyambag Police Station. Acting swiftly on this alert, personnel from the Hoysala patrol vehicle attached to the Udyambag Police Station rushed to the location. However, upon arrival, they discovered that no such incident had taken place, confirming the call as a hoax.
Legal Action and Charges
Subsequently, the police registered a case against Koppalkar under sections 217 (giving false information to a public servant), 212 (knowingly furnishing false information), and 248 (making false charges of an offence with intent to injure) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. This legal action was taken after obtaining necessary permission from the court. Initially, the offence was classified as non-cognisable, so Koppalkar was not taken into custody immediately. Instead, a Non-Cognisable Report (NCR) was filed, and a notice was issued to him on February 5. Following court approval, the case was formally booked under the relevant sections.
Background of the Accused
Police investigations revealed that Koppalkar works in tile fittings and regularly travels between Dharwad and Belagavi, making trips every few weeks or months. On the day of the incident, he allegedly visited a wine shop before making the false emergency call while intoxicated. This detail underscores the reckless nature of his actions, which were driven by alcohol consumption.
Police Warning on Misuse of Emergency Services
The Belagavi police have issued a stern warning, emphasizing that misuse of emergency services by providing false information is a punishable offence. Such actions not only waste valuable police time and resources but also delay responses to real emergencies, potentially endangering lives. The police stressed that their priority is to ensure swift and effective assistance to those in genuine need, and hoax calls severely undermine this mission.
Ongoing Investigation
Further investigation into the matter is currently underway, as authorities continue to gather evidence and assess the full impact of this incident. The police are committed to taking strict action against such violations to deter future misuse and maintain the integrity of emergency response systems.
