Dharmasthala: Mahesh Shetty Thimarodi Arrested For Derogatory Comments Against BL Santhosh

Mahesh Shetty Timarodi was detained by Udupi district police after making derogatory remarks about BJP official B.L. Santosh. His arrest has led to protests from supporters, while accusations of inciting communal tensions have surfaced.

Udupi district police on Thursday arrested Mahesh Shetty Thimarodi, President of Rashtiya Hindu Jagran Vedike, at his residence in Ujire. This action is linked to derogatory remarks he made about BJP National Organizing Secretary BL Santhosh on social media.

Supporters of Mahesh Shetty gathered in large numbers, voicing their discontent and chanting slogans against the BJP and the state government.

As he was taken by the cops, he told reporters: "This is a conspiracy to close the SIT investigation. This is the BJP's sin. They will all be destroyed. I will give a statement to the police. Soujanya should get justice. Justice will definitely be done."

Legal Proceedings and Allegations

He also claimed that the government and the BJP are responsible if "anything happens to him".

An FIR was filed at Brahmavar Police Station on August 16 under Sections 196(1), 352, and 353(2) of the Indian Penal Code following a complaint by BJP's Udupi Rural Mandal President Rajeev Kulal.

Kulal accused Mahesh Shetty of using foul language against BL Santhosh and inciting enmity between different communities and religions. The complaint alleged that Mahesh Shetty insulted a Hindu religious leader, leading to tensions.

The legislative assembly on Monday witnessed heated debates after activist Mahesh Shetty Thimarodi accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of committing 28 murders while demanding an SIT probe into alleged mass murders in Dharmasthala. Home Minister G Parameshwara reportedly instructed police to file a suo motu case and arrest Thimarodi swiftly.

Mahesh Shetty Thimarodi has been the face of protest against Rajya Sabha MP and Dharmasthala Temple chief Dr Veerendra Heggade in connection with the Soujanya murder case.

Even during the recent mass burial case, Thimarodi had targeted the temple authorities.

Soujanya Case

17-year-old Soujanya, a second-year Pre-University student from Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College, was brutally murdered near the Nethravathi River on October 9, 2012. Santhosh Rao was the sole accused in the case and he was acquitted by a Bengaluru Sessions Court on June 16, 2023, as there was no credible evidence to prove his involvement. However, her family has accused the influential Veerendra Heggde family of protecting the real culprits.