NBW Issued Against Mahesh Shetty Thimarody in Inflammatory Speech Case
Belthangady: A court in Belthangady in Dakshina Kannada district has issued a non-bailable warrant (NBW) against activist Mahesh Shetty Thimarody for failing to appear before it in connection with a case related to an alleged inflammatory speech.
The Principal Civil Judge and JMFC, Belthangady, on December 24 rejected an application filed by Thimarody’s counsel seeking exemption from personal appearance. The court observed that no valid grounds were cited for his absence and subsequently issued the non-bailable warrant.
The case was registered suo motu by the Belthangady police following a speech allegedly delivered by Thimarody at a Hindu Samaja Rakshana programme held at Mahamayi Marigudi premises in Bedrabettu village of Belthangady taluk on February 8, 2025. Police alleged that the speech raised doubts about Dharmasthala and other Hindu temples, hurt religious sentiments and disturbed communal harmony.
After completing the investigation, the Belthangady police filed the chargesheet on December 17. Separately, a Special Investigation Team probing alleged mass burials in Dharmasthala village has filed a complaint before the same court, accusing Thimarody and others of perjury and related offences.
Recently, the Assistant Commissioner of Puttur ordered Thimarody’s externment from Dakshina Kannada to Manvi in Raichur district, citing his involvement in 22 criminal cases.
Our Final Thoughts
The issuance of an NBW highlights the court’s strict stance on compliance with legal proceedings and underscores the seriousness of the charges facing the activist.
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A Belthangady court has issued a non-bailable warrant against activist Mahesh Shetty Thimarody for failing to appear in an inflammatory speech case. Police had filed the chargesheet earlier this month. #Karnataka #CourtNews #DakshinaKannada