Udupi: Police have arrested three individuals for allegedly obstructing law enforcement officers and damaging a departmental vehicle while civil rights activist Mahesh Shetty Timarodi was being taken into custody by Brahmavar police. The arrest was made after a case was registered against Timarodi for allegedly making derogatory remarks against BJP leader B.L. Santosh.
Incident during police custody transfer
According to the police, the incident occurred when Mahesh Shetty Timarodi was being transported from Ujire to Brahmavar following his arrest. Despite repeated instructions to not interfere with the police operation, some of his alleged supporters reportedly followed the police convoy in their own vehicle.
The supporters’ vehicle allegedly collided with the departmental car of the Udupi district Additional Superintendent of Police near Hosmar under Karkala Rural Police Station limits. Police officials stated that the accused also punched the police vehicle, causing damage.
Arrest of three supporters
The arrested individuals have been identified as Srujan L., Hitesh Shetty and Sahan, all residents of Ujire. They were taken into custody for allegedly obstructing police personnel and damaging government property during the transfer of Mahesh Shetty Timarodi.
Police have also seized the vehicle used in the incident. The accused were presented before the court, which subsequently remanded them to judicial custody.
Case details and charges
Police said that a case has been registered at the Karkala Rural Police Station under relevant sections for obstructing public servants from performing their duties, causing damage to government property and other related offences.
Mahesh Shetty Timarodi, a known civil rights activist, was arrested earlier by Brahmavar police after a complaint was filed over his alleged derogatory statements against BJP leader B.L. Santosh. The arrest has drawn reactions from various quarters, with some criticising the police action while others calling for restraint and adherence to law and order.
Police statement
A senior police official stated, “We had repeatedly instructed the supporters not to interfere with the lawful arrest and transport of the accused. However, despite the warnings, they chose to obstruct the police and damage the vehicle. Legal action has been taken against all involved.”
The police have reiterated that any attempt to interfere with law enforcement duties will be dealt with strictly.
Judicial proceedings and further investigation
The court has remanded the three accused to judicial custody while investigations continue into whether more individuals were involved in the obstruction. The authorities are also examining CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts to determine if additional arrests are warranted.
Conclusion
The incident highlights rising tensions surrounding the arrest of Mahesh Shetty Timarodi, with law enforcement now emphasising the importance of maintaining order during legal proceedings. Police have warned that further disruptions will not be tolerated and legal action will follow against anyone attempting to obstruct official duties.