Bangalore woman meeting writer-friend at Mangalore beach pulled up

MANGALURU: A 28-year-old woman who was with a writer to congratulate him on winning an award was pulled up allegedly by a group of youths in a case of suspected moral policing reported at Panambur beach, near here, on Sunday.
Police commissioner Anupam Agrawal said four people -- Prashanth Bhandary, 38, from Pilathabettu; Umesh P, 23, from Karaya in Belthangady; Sudheer, 26, from Puthila; and Keerthan Poojary, 20, from Macchina in Belthangady -- have been arrested over the incident.
The woman, in a police complaint, said she was not inclined to reveal her identity more than saying she is from Bengaluru and was on her way to Malpe on official work. Upon her arrival in Mangaluru, she met the writer-friend at Panambur beach.
A few youths intercepted them on the beach and allegedly chided them for being together. Some recorded a video of the incident. Immediately, police rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control by taking the youths to custody, the commissioner said.
The woman has demanded action against the suspects. Police have booked a case under IPC Sections 143, 341, 504 and 149 for unlawful assembly, wrongful restraint, intentionally insulting and giving provocation to others.
Notices have been served on the accused, directing them to visit the police station whenever called for an inquiry, the commissioner said, adding additional police personnel have been deployed at Panambur and Tannirbavi beaches and the tree park area to prevent such incidents.