FIR against Bhatkal doctor under POCSO Act for allegedly sexually abusing 7-year-old boy
Bhatkal: An FIR has been registered against a medical practitioner in Bhatkal under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) after the doctor allegedly sexually harassed a young boy at his residence here in the city.
The accused doctor has been identified as Dr. Shailesh M Devadiga, who is now absconding since the incident came to light.
According to the family of the victim boy, Shailesh had sexually exploited a 7-year-old boy at his residence on December 1. In their complaint, the family stated that Shailesh had rented their house and was familiar with all the family members.
On December 1, when Shailesh was at his house, he allegedly called the victim to his house and exploited him sexually.
After the incident came to light, local social media groups have been abuzz with several other rumors and reports of Shailesh’s mismanagement. Social media users have also claimed that Shailesh used his name “Shailesh M Devadiga” and use it on display and billboards as “Shailesh MD” to project himself as an MD.
“He is actually an Ayurvedic doctor he hails from Puttur in Dakshina Kannada. But he uses his name to project himself as MD. Most people in our town believe him to be an MD which is not the case.” A user said.
After the incident came to light and an FIR was registered against him, Shailesh has reportedly gone into hiding and is absconding from the town while the police are on the lookout for the doctor.
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Press bodies demand withdrawal of FIR Against Alt News co-founder Mohammed Zubair
New Delhi: Several press organisations have called for the withdrawal of the FIR filed by the Uttar Pradesh Police against Mohammed Zubair, co-founder of fact-checking platform Alt News. The FIR includes allegations of endangering India’s sovereignty, unity, and integrity under s. 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The case stems from Zubair’s social media post on October 3, where he shared a video of Hindutva leader Yati Narsinghanand’s speech that allegedly contained derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammad. The video, shared on X (formerly Twitter), led to protests from Muslim groups across several cities. The complaint against Zubair was filed by Udita Tyagi, general secretary of the Yati Narsimhanand Saraswati Foundation, claiming the post was intended to incite violence.
On November 27, the Allahabad High Court was informed that s. 152 of the BNS and s. 66 of the Information Technology Act had been added to the FIR. While the court allowed these additions, press bodies expressed strong opposition to the charges, calling them a misuse of laws meant to stifle press freedom and dissent.
The Press Club of India described s. 152 as a "new avatar" of the sedition law, warning of its potential to silence media and free thinkers. Similarly, DIGIPUB, an association of digital news organisations, condemned the FIR as a "vindictive and unreasonable overreach" by the authorities.
DIGIPUB questioned whether the Uttar Pradesh government intends to target journalists who expose hate speech against minorities. It urged the police to shift focus to prosecuting individuals making hate speeches rather than harassing journalists like Zubair.
The Allahabad High Court has scheduled the next hearing on December 3, directing the investigating officer to provide detailed affidavits regarding the charges. Meanwhile, Zubair has sought legal protection against arrest.
