In a development that has stirred sharp reactions across the state, the Belthangady police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against lawyer Manjunath for allegedly spreading false and defamatory information in connection with the SIT investigation. The complaint, filed by resident Raghuram Shetty, accuses Manjunath of attempting to tarnish the image of the holy centre through an unverified media release issued on July 30.
According to the police, the release contained sensational allegations claiming that multiple bodies had been secretly buried at various points in Dharmasthala. Manjunath cited specific locations with detailed numbers, including two bodies at point number 1, six each at points 2 and 3, eight each at points 4 and 5, and several more at other locations. His claims culminated with an assertion of “numerous burials” at point number 13. Though SIT did not issue any statement regarding the discovery of bones, Manjunath claimed these bodies were found during the excavation.
Investigators have termed these statements as baseless, inflammatory, and devoid of any factual evidence. Authorities noted that spreading such falsehoods risks disturbing public order, communal harmony, and the sanctity of Dharmasthala, which is regarded as one of Karnataka’s most respected religious and cultural institutions.
The FIR has been registered under Sections 353(1)B and 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act, 2023, which deal with the dissemination of false information and deliberate attempts to incite unrest. Police officials have assured that stringent action will be taken to prevent such disinformation campaigns from gaining traction.
Resistance during police action
In a related development, the Belthangady police also registered another FIR against former police officer Girish Mattannavar and several others for obstructing police personnel during the arrest of Mahesh Shetty Timarodi.
The Brahmavar police, acting on orders from senior officials, visited Timarodi’s residence to execute his arrest. However, the team was allegedly confronted by Mattannavar, an individual named Jayant, and a group of 7-10 people, who physically obstructed the operation and interfered with the officers’ lawful duty.
The complaint further states that Timarodi himself mobilised a large group of supporters in an attempt to block the arrest. He allegedly used force to resist and went on to issue threats of circulating defamatory content about the police on social media platforms.
Even after being taken into custody, Timarodi refused to board the official police vehicle and insisted on using his private car. His supporters reportedly followed the convoy in nearly 10 to 15 cars, continuing to disrupt the police team’s movement.
Multiple sections invoked
The incident has been registered under case number: 94/2025 at Belthangady police station, with charges framed under several sections of the BNS Act, including:132 – Obstruction of public servants in discharge of duty, 189(2) – Intimidation of public servants, 351(2) – Unlawful assembly and use of force, 263(a) – Circulation of false or misleading information, 190 – Acts intended to incite public disorder and 262 – Willful disobedience of lawful authority.
Officials said these charges comprehensively cover both the obstruction faced by the police and the alleged attempt to spread defamatory narratives against the force.
Police response and public outrage
Dakshina Kannada District Superintendent of Police Dr. Arun Kumar confirmed that investigations are underway in both cases and promised firm legal action. “Attempts to mislead people through false propaganda or to obstruct lawful police operations will be dealt with sternly. The department will not tolerate organized resistance or defamatory threats,” he told reporters.
The allegations concerning Dharmasthala have evoked widespread condemnation from devotees, community leaders, and civil society groups. The shrine, known for its long-standing legacy of spiritual guidance and social service, holds immense significance across Karnataka. Residents expressed outrage over the false claims, demanding a thorough probe into the motives behind the press release and calling for strict punishment for those attempting to malign the shrine’s reputation.
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