Archive · 20 Jul 2026
Karnataka Police Act on Communal Posts After Nurse's Murder
A young nurse named Lavanya Gowda was tragically killed by her distant relative, Chethan G, at a bus depot in Bantwal.
Chethan had been harassing Lavanya for months, and on the day of the murder, he attacked her with a machete.
After the murder, many people on social media started spreading false information to make the situation seem like a communal issue.
The police have taken action against these false posts by registering cases against those involved.
One social media activist, Kiran Aradhya, was even booked for his posts and is now seeking legal help to stop the cases against him.
Lavanya Gowda, a 24-year-old nurse, was allegedly hacked to death by her distant relative Chethan G at a bus depot in Bantwal.
Chethan G had been harassing Lavanya for months and killed her after she ignored his demands for a relationship.
Social media posts attempted to portray the accused in various communal and political lights, leading to police action.
Six FIRs were registered, including one against right-wing social media activist Kiran Aradhya for spreading false information.
Kiran Aradhya moved the Karnataka High Court seeking a stay on the FIRs, with BJP MP Tejasvi Surya representing him.
- Who
- Lavanya Gowda, a 24-year-old nurse, was murdered by her distant relative Chethan G, 22.
- What
- Chethan G allegedly killed Lavanya Gowda using a machete at a bus depot in Bantwal.
- When
- The murder occurred on the evening of July 16, 2024.
- Where
- The incident took place at the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus depot on B C Road in Bantwal, Dakshina Kannada district.
- Why
- Chethan G allegedly killed Lavanya Gowda after she repeatedly ignored his demands for a relationship.
Communal Posts
Police Action
Social Media Posts
Communal Posts
Posts attempted to portray the accused in various communal and political lights, including as a minority, Hindutva activist, Congress worker, and member of the Billava community.
Police Action
Police registered FIRs against individuals spreading false information and rumours to trigger communal disturbances.
- Victim
- Lavanya Gowda, 24, a nurse at a private clinic.
- Accused
- Chethan G, 22, a distant relative of the victim.
- Location
- Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus depot, B C Road, Bantwal.
- Date of Murder
- July 16, 2024.
- FIRs Registered
- Six FIRs, five in Bantwal and one in Bengaluru.
- Social Media Activist Booked
- Kiran Aradhya, a right-wing social media activist.
- Legal Action
- Kiran Aradhya moved the Karnataka High Court seeking a stay on the FIRs.
- Representation
- BJP MP and advocate Tejasvi Surya to represent Aradhya in court.