Udupi: Tension gripped Brahmavar town in Udupi district on Thursday following the arrest of Mahesh Shetty Thimarodi, president of the Rashtriya Hindu Jagaran Vedike. The activist, known for demanding a high-level probe into the alleged mass burials in Dharmasthala, was taken into custody based on a complaint linked to a controversial social media post.
Complaint and arrest
Police sources revealed that the complaint was filed by Udupi BJP rural mandali president Rajeev Kulal over Thimarodi’s Facebook post allegedly criticising the party’s national general secretary B. L. Santosh on August 16. The activist was also accused of using derogatory language against a Hindu religious leader and attempting to incite communal tensions.
Acting on the warrant, Udupi police arrived at Thimarodi’s residence in Ujire, Belthangady taluk. Initially, the activist refused to cooperate, citing anticipatory bail obtained in connection with earlier notices. However, as the bail period had expired, he eventually agreed to accompany the police.
Police took him to Brahmavar police station through an interior route via Karkala, avoiding highways to prevent unrest. Activist Girish Mattannannavar and a team of advocates accompanied Thimarodi during the transfer.
Protest and prohibitory orders
As news of the arrest spread, supporters of Thimarodi gathered near the Brahmavar police station and staged a roadblock, prompting the district administration to impose prohibitory orders for 24 hours. The orders covered a 500-metre radius around the station, effective from 1 pm on August 21.
Court proceedings and custody
Udupi Police Superintendent Hariram Shankar stated that non-bailable sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) had been invoked against Thimarodi. “He is a repeat offender and had ignored two prior notices issued by the police. His arrest was necessitated under the circumstances,” he told reporters.
The activist was produced before the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) court in Brahmavar, where Advocate Vijay Vasu Poojary argued that his client had not committed any grave offence to justify detention. He further claimed that the arrest violated Thimarodi’s fundamental rights under Article 19 of the Constitution.
However, Additional Public Prosecutor Mohini opposed the bail plea, stating that Thimarodi faced 24 cases and had been served with multiple notices in the past. Judge Nagesh N. A. rejected the bail petition and remanded him to 14-day judicial custody.
Law and order situation
While prohibitory orders remain in effect, police have been deployed in key areas to maintain peace. Authorities said they are monitoring the situation closely to prevent any escalation of tension.