Mangaluru Police Book Father-Son Duo for Moral Policing and Caste-Based Assault of Minor
In a disturbing incident of moral policing and caste-based violence, two individuals, a father and his son, have been officially charged by the Mangaluru South police. The case involves the alleged assault, verbal abuse, and casteist harassment of a 14-year-old schoolboy, highlighting ongoing societal issues in the region.
Details of the Alleged Incident
According to a formal complaint lodged by the boy's father, the incident occurred on February 23 around 4 PM, after school hours. The victim, a Class 9 student, was engaged in a conversation with a Class 10 girl near a railway track within the jurisdiction of the Mangaluru South police station. The accused, identified as Steevan Monteiro and his son Avil, allegedly approached the two minors, recorded a video on their mobile phone, and accused them of engaging in inappropriate public behavior.
The confrontation escalated quickly, with the accused threatening the minors and using foul language. After the girl left the scene, Avil reportedly stopped the boy from leaving, forcibly took him from the railway track to a nearby road, and demanded the girl's address. During this altercation, both accused are said to have assaulted the boy and subjected him to caste-based slurs, adding a layer of discrimination to the attack.
Social Media Circulation and Caste-Based Abuse
The complaint further alleges that the video recorded by the accused was later circulated on social media platforms, amplifying the humiliation faced by the minor. Despite the complainant knowing the accused, who operates a laundry business in the Shivanagar area, the accused deliberately targeted the boy and his father based on their caste. They also falsely accused them of sharing the video online, compounding the harassment.
Legal Action and Police Investigation
Based on the detailed complaint, the Mangaluru police have registered a case under multiple sections of the law. This includes sections 126(2), 115(2), 352, 351(1), and 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with sections 3(1)(r) and 3(1)(s) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. These charges cover offenses related to assault, intimidation, and caste-based atrocities.
Police authorities have confirmed that an investigation is currently underway to gather evidence and proceed with legal actions. The case underscores the serious nature of moral policing and caste discrimination, particularly when involving minors, and highlights the need for strict enforcement of laws protecting vulnerable communities.
