Mangaluru: A large crowd gathered outside activist Mahesh Shetty Thimarody’s residence in Ujire after Udupi police arrived in connection with a case registered at Brahmavar police station.
The case stems from an alleged Facebook post on August 16, where Thimarody reportedly used abusive language against BJP National General Secretary (Organisation) B.L. Santosh, insulted a Hindu religious leader, and posted remarks deemed capable of inciting communal discord.
Based on a complaint by Udupi BJP Rural Mandal President Rajeev Kulal, Brahmavar police booked him under Sections 196(1), 352, and 353(2) of the BNS Act. Officials clarified that Thimarody was not arrested; instead, he travelled to Brahmavar in his private car for questioning, escorted by police.
Observers noted the deployment of around 15 police vans for the inquiry, which raised eyebrows. Udupi SP Hariram Shankar confirmed the offences are non-bailable, adding that the activist is a repeat offender and had ignored two previous notices.