Dakshina Kannada activist Mahesh Shetty Thimarody questioned over remarks against BJP's BL Santosh

MANGALURU: People gathered outside the residence of activist Mahesh Shetty Thimarody in Ujire, Dakshina Kannada district after the Udupi police reportedly arrived in connection with a case registered at Brahmavar police station over an alleged provocative speech.

On Aug 16, Thimarody allegedly used abusive and obscene language against BJP National General Secretary (Organisation) B.L. Santosh on a Facebook page. He was also accused of insulting a Hindu religious leader and posting derogatory remarks aimed at creating enmity between communities. Acting on a complaint filed by Udupi BJP Rural Mandal President Rajeev Kulal, Brahmavar police booked him under Sections 196(1), 352, and 353(2) of the BNS.

Sources said that a notice was issued to the activist to appear for the Bramhavar police. However, sources clarified that Thimarody was not arrested. He travelled to Brahmavar in his private car for questioning, accompanied by a police escort. “Surprisingly, as many as 15 police vans were deployed just to accompany him for the inquiry,” a source said. Udupi SP Hariram Shankar said that the offence sections are non-bailable, he has been a repeated offender and had not responded to two notices.