Influencer Says Cops Shut Down Bikini Shoot at Malpe Beach, Police Deny Allegations
Udupi, Karnataka: Social media influencer Khyati Shree has alleged that police officers at Malpe Beach in Udupi stopped her from filming an Instagram reel on Thursday evening due to her "indecent" attire. The influencer claimed that while she was recording a video in a bikini with her husband, two policemen approached them, citing objections from onlookers regarding her outfit.
In her Instagram post, Khyati Shree expressed her frustration, questioning the authority of the locals and police to impose moral policing on what she deemed a public space. She stated, "We had a bitter experience at Udupi Beach while doing a photo shoot. The police suggested I change my clothes, and when I questioned why, they warned that locals might attack us if we 'misbehave.' Who are the locals to conduct moral policing? The beach is a public space—what's wrong with a photo shoot? Is a bikini photoshoot against the law?"
Police stopped me at Udupi beach in Karnataka for wearing a bikni. When I asked why, the officer pointed at some goons telling me they will beat us if I don't change clothes. (Full video of this incident on my instagram) pic.twitter.com/3jrxUycbcv
— Khyati Shree (@KhyatiShree_) August 29, 2024
Despite her protests, Khyati Shree and her husband left the beach, feeling unsafe as the situation escalated and attracted a crowd. She shared the incident in a reel on Instagram, where she expressed her disappointment and raised concerns about moral policing in public spaces. The video quickly went viral, garnering over 1 million views, 50,000 likes, and more than 2,000 comments, with many users expressing support for her and criticizing the alleged actions of the police.
However, the Malpe police have denied any record of such an incident. Speaking to PTI, police officials stated that they have "no record" of any officers being deployed to stop a photoshoot at the beach. The lack of official acknowledgment has further fueled the debate on social media, with discussions around the incident continuing to gain traction.
The situation has sparked a broader conversation about the boundaries of public decency, the role of local authorities in enforcing moral standards, and the rights of individuals to express themselves freely in public spaces. As the story continues to unfold, it raises important questions about the intersection of personal freedom, cultural norms, and law enforcement in public areas.
