Udupi SP Clarifies Facts in Pradeep Pujari Suicide and Related Cases; Warns of Strict Action Against Sharing Victim’s Photos

By Editor

Posted on November 2, 2026

Udupi SP Clarifies Facts in Pradeep Pujari Suicide and Related Cases; Warns of Strict Action Against Sharing Victim's Photos

Udupi : Addressing the media on Monday regarding the widely discussed Pradeep Pujari suicide and its interconnected cases, Udupi District Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar shared evidence-based factual details gathered during the department’s investigation. He strongly warned that strict legal action will be taken against anyone leaking or sharing the rape survivor’s private photographs on social media.

Tracing the background, SP Hariram Shankar detailed the timeline of the first two cases involving the deceased. On November 10, 2025, an FIR was initially registered when Pradeep Pujari intercepted the victim’s scooter in a car, threatening to kill her if she refused to marry him, leading to his arrest. After obtaining bail, Pujari committed sexual assault on November 29, 2025, by dragging the victim into a forest area near Doddapade while she was heading to school for work and threatening her life with a boulder. The SP clarified that the subsequent charge sheet was filed not merely on the victim’s statement, but based on concrete medical findings, scientific evidence, and proof of injuries sustained during the 3-day hospital treatment of the victim.

Detailing the third incident from November 28, 2026, the SP stated that Pradeep Pujari attempted to murder the victim using chilli powder, cloth, and other objects as she emerged from taking a bath, and also threw chilli powder at her mother who rushed to help. When locals gathered, Pujari displayed private photos from a past relationship, while audio recordings confirmed him explicitly stating his intent to kill them. Dispelling rumors of kidnapping or physical assault elsewhere, the SP confirmed that key physical evidence—including chilli powder and assault materials brought by Pujari—was recovered from the scene. Following the incident, 7 to 8 individuals who arrived on the spot assaulted Pujari, after which the police arrived and admitted him to a hospital.

Addressing administrative lapses, SP Hariram Shankar confirmed that action has been taken against the Sub-Inspector of Hiriyadka Police Station for taking an NC case instead of registering an FIR on Pujari’s written complaint from the hospital. The Sub-Inspector has been relieved of duty, reported to the Western Range IG, and faces a thorough departmental inquiry. Additionally, a case of abetment to suicide has been registered and handed over to Manipal Inspector Mahesh Prasad for an impartial investigation. The SP emphasized that all individuals who took the law into their own hands will be arrested and prosecuted. He further revealed that 150 social media accounts sharing the victim’s private photos have been identified, warning of stringent criminal prosecution against anyone defaming the victim or spreading false narratives.