18 Sep 2026
Belagavi district police have stepped up their crackdown on youths allegedly using threatening behaviour and provocative social media posts to create fear and disturb public order.
According to a Times of India report dated September 15, 2026, police conducted separate operations in Sankeshwar and Athani over the preceding three days and registered preventive cases against youths accused of threatening citizens, attempting assaults, creating panic in public places and circulating intimidating videos. Police said key accused were counselled and made to submit written apologies.
Investigators said a group of 10 to 12 youths aged between 20 and 25 in Athani had allegedly circulated a video depicting an offensive crime. Police said the video appeared intended to project a criminal image and create fear among residents. Similar incidents involving youths from Ninganur and Savadatti had previously resulted in strict action, including externment proceedings.
Police have also observed an increasing trend of videos showing vehicles, weapons and aggressive behaviour on national highways being circulated on social-media platforms. Belagavi district Superintendent of Police K. Ramarajan warned that police are monitoring such online activity and will take stringent action against content that promotes violence, threatens citizens or disturbs public order.
The development is relevant to Belagavi residents as police action increasingly extends to online content when it is alleged to have a direct public-order or intimidation impact.