Activist Mahesh Shetty Thimarody has been ordered by the Dakshina Kannada district administration to relocate to Raichur district for one year. This externment order was issued following a detailed report submitted by the local police.
Puttur Assistant Commissioner Stella Verghese officially passed the order on September 18, acting on information provided by the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Bantwal. The police report highlighted multiple cases against Mr. Thimarody, emphasizing the necessity of his externment to maintain law and order within the district.
Mr. Thimarody is well-known for leading a high-profile campaign advocating for justice for the victim of a 2012 rape-and-murder case in Dharmasthala. Interestingly, 45-year-old Chinnaiah, the complainant in a separate alleged mass burial case, had stayed at the homes of Mr. Thimarody and his brother just days before his own arrest by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) on August 23.
Escalating Legal Troubles Lead to Immediate Externment
Earlier this year in June, Thimarody was among 36 individuals identified by the police for potential externment, aimed at promoting communal harmony. At that time, he was already facing 20 criminal cases. However, as the externment proceedings continued, an additional six cases were registered against him, particularly after the alleged mass burial investigation was transferred to the SIT.
These recent charges include an alleged assault on a television reporter near a private hospital in Belthangady, involving fellow activist Girish Mattannavar; unlawful assembly outside the hospital; and obstructing Brahmavar police who were attempting to apprehend him from his residence.
Weapon Seizure Further Complicates Matters
During a search of the residences belonging to Thimarody and his brother on August 26, the SIT confiscated 44 items. Among these were Chinnaiah’s mobile phones, laptops containing more than 25 videos of Chinnaiah’s interactions with various media and YouTube channels, two swords, and a gun. Based on the SIT’s findings, the Belthangady police filed a case against Thimarody under the Arms Act on September 16.
Following the Arms Act case, Thimarody evaded arrest and failed to respond to a notice from Belthangady police to appear for questioning. Given his alleged involvement in new criminal activities even as his externment was being processed, the Assistant Commissioner issued immediate orders for his removal from the district, according to police sources.