Timeline India

Category: Belthangady

  • Mahesh Shetty Timrodi Externed from Dakshina Kannada for One Year

    Belthangady, September 23, 2025 – Prominent Soujanya activist Mahesh Shetty Timarodi from Belthangady has been externed from Dakshina Kannada district under Section 55 of the Karnataka State Police Act, barring him from entering the district for one year.

    Based on a report from Beltangadi police, Puttur Assistant Commissioner Stella Varghese issued the order. Timarodi has been relocated to Manvi taluk in Raichur district.

    Timarodi faces multiple criminal cases, including attempt to murder, assault, threats, and damage to public property. Beltangadi police described his activities as dangerous to society, leading to the externment.

    The order prohibits Timarodi from entering any part of Dakshina Kannada for one year, with legal action for violations.

    The order, issued on September 18, was forwarded to Bantwal Subdivision DySP for enforcement.

    Activism Background
    Timarodi has been at the forefront of the Soujanya rape and murder case, demanding identification and arrest of the real culprits and justice for Soujanya. He has organized protests in the coastal region. In the Dharmasthala serial murder and mysterious death case, he brought key witness-complainant Chinniyya and assisted in filing the FIR.

    Despite this, some groups and BJP members have spread misinformation and accusations against him. Now, he has been externed from the district.

  • Beltangadi: Women India Movement Organizes Seminar on International Democracy Day

    Beltangadi, September 15, 2025: The Women India Movement Beltangadi unit hosted a seminar at the party office in Beltangadi as part of International Democracy Day celebrations. The event focused on empowering women through democratic values and constitutional awareness.

    Shama Ujire, President of the Women India Movement Beltangadi Committee, presided over the program and delivered the introductory remarks, setting the tone for discussions on democracy and women’s roles.

    Chief guest Advocate Asma Rizwan emphasized the need for women in politics to recognize their daily necessities and engage in community-oriented activities. She urged women to acquire legal awareness and prioritize empowerment, highlighting how informed participation can strengthen democratic processes.

    Another guest speaker, Dr. Ashika, stressed the importance of incorporating democratic principles into everyday behavior. She advocated adopting simple virtues like respect, love, and priority for people, the nation, and the Constitution. “Self-restraint, cooperation, love, and coexistence should be integral to our daily lives,” Dr. Ashika said, calling for a harmonious society rooted in democratic ethos.

    Keynote speaker and journalist Fatima Usman delivered a stirring address, warning that anti-Constitution forces are attempting to dismantle India’s democratic system—the world’s largest—and impose authoritarianism. “As true Indians, we must resolve to safeguard democracy and commit to a rigorous struggle to restore constitutional values,” she declared, rallying participants to protect the nation’s foundational principles.

    The seminar saw enthusiastic participation from Women India Movement leaders, activists, and democracy enthusiasts. Rubiya, President of the WIM City Committee, welcomed the guests, Rafa conducted the proceedings, and Ramlat proposed the vote of thanks.

  • Dharmasthala Case: Dr. Veerendra Heggade Says “All Allegations Cleared” After SIT Arrests Complainant

    Dharmasthala, August 23, 2025 – In a significant development in the Dharmasthala mass burial case, Dr. Veerendra Heggade, the Dharmadhikari of the Dharmasthala Manjunatha Swamy Temple, responded for the first time since the Special Investigation Team (SIT) arrested the anonymous complainant, identified as Chinnayya, on August 23, 2025. The Beltangady court ordered 10 days of SIT custody for the complainant, who had alleged that numerous bodies were buried in Dharmasthala between 1994 and 2014, prompting a high-profile investigation led by senior officer Pranav Mohanty since July 20, 2025.

    Speaking briefly due to the ongoing investigation, Dr. Heggade expressed satisfaction, stating, “I won’t speak much as the SIT probe is ongoing, but the truth is coming out one by one, and I am happy. All allegations have now been cleared. Let your love and trust in us remain. God’s blessings are on this sacred place, and the divine is with us.” His statement follows the SIT’s findings of inconsistencies in the complainant’s claims, including retracted statements and lack of evidence from excavations at 17 sites, which yielded only minor bone fragments not linked to the alleged crimes. The complainant faces charges under Sections 209, 227, and 229 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023 for perjury, fraud, and obstructing investigation.

    The arrest, confirmed by Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara, has shifted the case’s narrative, with Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar previously suggesting a “conspiracy” to defame Dharmasthala. The complainant’s protection under the Witness Protection Act was revoked on August 22, 2025, after he admitted to providing misleading information during interrogation.

  • Dharmasthala Case: Anonymous Complainant Placed in 10-Day SIT Custody by Beltangady Court

    Beltangady, August 23, 2025 – The Beltangady court, on Saturday, August 23, 2025, ordered the anonymous complainant in the Dharmasthala case, identified as Chinnayya, to be placed in Special Investigation Team (SIT) custody for 10 days for further questioning. The complainant had claimed that numerous bodies, primarily of women and girls, were buried in Dharmasthala between 1994 and 2014, triggering a high-profile investigation led by senior officer Pranav Mohanty since July 20, 2025.

    The case, which has unfolded over the past two months, took a significant turn with this custody order. SIT sources indicate that inconsistencies and contradictions in the complainant’s statements, particularly regarding the alleged discovery of skulls, led to his detention. The complainant’s protection under the Witness Protection Act was revoked by the Mangaluru competent authority on August 22, 2025, after he retracted parts of his testimony and failed to provide verifiable details about burial sites. Excavations at 17 locations yielded only minor bone fragments, which forensic analysis could not link to the alleged crimes.

    The SIT, acting on credible information, summoned the complainant for questioning on August 22 and arrested him the following morning. After a medical examination at Beltangady Government Hospital, he was produced before the court at 11:00 AM, which granted 10 days of custody to probe the discrepancies and potential perjury. A new FIR has been filed under Sections 209, 227, and 229 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for false information, fraud, and obstructing investigation.

    Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, addressing the media, emphasized the government’s commitment to justice, stating, “We stand for justice, not sides. The SIT’s probe will ensure action against the guilty.” The case has sparked political debate, with Congress leaders like Belur Gopalakrishna demanding strict action against misinformation, while BJP leaders have been accused of politicizing the issue.

  • Udupi: Mahesh Shetty Timarodi Taken into Police Custody for Two Hours in B.L. Santosh Defamation Case

    Udupi, August 23, 2025 – The Udupi Additional Civil Judge and Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC), Nagesh, on Saturday, August 23, 2025, ordered social activist Mahesh Shetty Timarodi to be taken into police custody for two hours for interrogation in connection with a defamation case. The case stems from alleged derogatory remarks made by Timarodi against BJP National General Secretary (Organisation) B.L. Santosh, as reported by Brahmavar police.

    Following a petition by the Brahmavar police requesting custody for questioning, Judge Nagesh directed that Timarodi be produced in court within one hour. Accordingly, Timarodi, who was lodged in Hiriyadka Jail, was brought to the Udupi court under heavy police security around 1:30 PM. After the hearing, the court granted two hours of police custody for interrogation, ordering his return to court by 3:40 PM. The police then took Timarodi for questioning as per the court’s directive.

    The case, registered under Sections 196(1), 352, and 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) following a complaint by Rajeev Kulal, president of Udupi Rural BJP Mandal, alleges that Timarodi used abusive language against Santosh on social media, potentially inciting communal enmity. Timarodi’s bail plea hearing, which took place on the same day, was adjourned to 3:00 PM after the prosecution sought time to file objections.

  • Bengaluru: DCM D.K. Shivakumar Addresses Dharmasthala Complainant’s Arrest, Emphasizes Justice Over Politics

    Bengaluru, August 23, 2025 – Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, speaking to the media near his Sadashivanagar residence on Saturday morning, addressed the arrest of the anonymous complainant in the Dharmasthala case by the Special Investigation Team (SIT). Emphasizing impartiality, he stated, “We are neither on their side nor this side; we stand for justice. We only ask that politics not be played in matters of religion.”

    Responding to questions about his earlier mention of a “conspiracy” in the case, where the complainant alleged multiple murders and burials in Dharmasthala, Shivakumar remarked, “The BJP was silent until now, speaking vaguely. It was only after I raised the conspiracy angle that they started commenting.” He noted that the Dharmasthala family had met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, praising the formation of the SIT, led by senior officer Pranav Mohanty, on July 20, 2025. “The investigation is ongoing. Whether it’s the guilty or the innocent, our government will take action,” he added, citing assurances from the CM and Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara in the Assembly and CLP meetings.

    The SIT arrested the complainant, identified as Chinnayya, on August 23, 2025, after the Mangaluru competent authority revoked his protection under the Witness Protection Act on August 22, due to inconsistencies in his claims. The accused was presented in Beltangady court and remanded to judicial custody, with further interrogation expected.

    On Sujatha Bhat’s statement denying Ananya Bhat as her daughter, Shivakumar said, “The Home Minister will handle it.” Regarding a meeting with Congress leader Randeep Surjewala, he explained it was to prepare for local body elections, stating, “The court has directed us to hold elections, so we’re assigning responsibilities.” He also confirmed his participation in the Congress Janadhikara Yatra in Bihar, noting, “The CM has been invited and will join on another day.”

  • Dharmasthala Case: SIT Arrests Anonymous Complainant for Perjury, Further Investigation Ongoing

    Beltangady, August 23, 2025 – The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Dharmasthala case arrested the anonymous complainant, identified as Chinnayya, on Saturday, August 23, 2025, for providing false information and obstructing the investigation. The complainant had alleged that numerous bodies, primarily of women and girls, were buried in Dharmasthala between 1994 and 2014, claiming involvement in their disposal. These claims led to the formation of the SIT, headed by senior officer Pranav Mohanty, on July 20, 2025, following public and political pressure.

    The arrest came after the Mangaluru competent authority revoked the complainant’s protection under the Witness Protection Act on August 22, 2025, due to discrepancies in his statements. SIT sources revealed that the complainant retracted parts of his testimony given to a magistrate, admitting to providing misleading information. On Friday, August 22, he was summoned to the SIT office for questioning, and on Saturday morning, he was arrested. After a medical examination at Beltangady Government Hospital, he was presented before the Beltangady court at 11:00 AM and remanded to judicial custody.

    The SIT’s investigation, which included excavating 17 sites based on the complainant’s claims, found no significant evidence, such as skeletal remains, to substantiate the allegations. Only minor bone fragments were recovered, which forensic analysis could not link to the alleged crimes. The complainant’s failure to identify burial sites accurately and the absence of corroborating evidence raised suspicions of perjury, leading to a new FIR under Sections 209, 227, and 229 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for false information, fraud, and obstructing investigation.

    Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar stated, “The government will take action against the guilty. The SIT’s probe has exposed the truth, protecting Dharmasthala’s sanctity.” Congress MLA Belur Gopalakrishna demanded strict action against those spreading misinformation, emphasizing the need to preserve the region’s religious integrity. Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara confirmed the arrest, noting that further details would be provided by the SIT after its final report.

  • Belthangady: Case Filed Against Girish Mattannanavar for Obstructing Police Duty and Threatening Defamation

    Mangaluru, August 22, 2025 – Dakshina Kannada Superintendent of Police Arun K. has confirmed that a case has been filed against Girish Mattannanavar at Belthangady Police Station for obstructing police duties and issuing threats during an attempted arrest of Mahesh Shetty Timarodi. The action stems from a complaint related to derogatory remarks allegedly made by Timarodi against BJP National General Secretary B.L. Santosh.

    On August 21, 2025, officers from Brahmavar Police Station, including a Sub-Inspector and senior officials, visited Timarodi House in Ujire, Belthangady Taluk, to arrest Mahesh Shetty Timarodi in connection with a case registered at their station. During the operation, Girish Mattannanavar, Jayanth, and approximately 10 others formed an unlawful assembly, physically resisted the arrest, and threatened to spread defamatory content on social media against the officers, according to SP Arun.

    After Timarodi’s arrest, he refused to travel in the police vehicle, opting for his own car. During the transit, 10 to 15 vehicles followed the police convoy, causing further disruption. The case has been registered under Sections 132 (obstructing public servant), 189(2) (unlawful assembly), 351(2) (criminal intimidation), 263(a) (causing danger or obstruction), 190 (common intention), and 262 (resistance to lawful apprehension) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023. The investigation is ongoing to address the violations and ensure accountability.

  • Belthangady: Udupi Police Detain Mahesh Shetty Timarodi for Questioning in Hate Speech Case

    Belthangady, August 21, 2025 – Mahesh Shetty Timarodi, a prominent activist advocating for justice in the Soujanya case, was taken into custody by Brahmavar police from Udupi for questioning in a hate speech case on Thursday morning. The case stems from allegations that Timarodi made derogatory remarks against BJP National Organizing Secretary B.L. Santosh, leading to a complaint filed at Brahmavar Police Station under Sections 352 and 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for statements conducive to public mischief.

    On Wednesday, August 20, 2025, police issued a notice for Timarodi to appear for questioning, which he did not comply with. Consequently, Brahmavar police arrived at his residence in Ujire, Timarodi, on Thursday morning to detain him. The situation escalated as a group of Timarodi’s supporters gathered outside his home, creating a tense atmosphere. Following discussions with Timarodi’s lawyers, who assured that he would voluntarily appear at the station, he was allowed to travel in a private car accompanied by police. Fellow Soujanya case activists Girish Mattannavar and Jayanth T. also accompanied him to the Brahmavar Police Station.

    This development follows multiple legal actions against Timarodi, including a Karnataka High Court order on January 20, 2025, restraining him from making defamatory statements against Dharmasthala, its Dharmadhikari Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade, and related institutions. The court had warned of strict legal action for non-compliance, citing Timarodi’s alleged defamatory campaign and contempt of court despite a prior unconditional apology. Additionally, Karnataka Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara confirmed that multiple cases have been filed against Timarodi, with instructions issued for swift legal action.

    The incident has sparked significant attention, with supporters rallying around Timarodi, while authorities emphasize the need to address hate speech and maintain public order.

  • Beltangady: Sister of 1986 Rape-Murder Victim Seeks SIT Probe into Decades-Old Case

    Beltangady, August 11, 2025: Indravati, the sister of Padmalatha, who was brutally raped and murdered in 1986, visited the Special Investigation Team (SIT) office in Beltangady on Monday to demand a fresh investigation into the unresolved case.

    Accompanied by CPM leader B M Bhat and supporters, Indravati arrived at the SIT office to submit a formal request for reinvestigating her sister’s case. She stated that the complaint would be officially filed once senior SIT officials were present.

    Padmalatha, a resident of Boliyaru, was a victim of a horrific rape and murder nearly four decades ago. The case has remained unsolved, prompting renewed calls for justice.

    The SIT was established following claims by an anonymous witness alleging that multiple bodies were buried in Dharmasthala village, linked to past crimes. The team has been actively investigating these claims, and a dedicated SIT office, functioning as a police station, was recently set up in Beltangady to handle such cases.