In a dramatic turn of events, Brahmavara police detained activist Mahesh Shetty Thimarodi from his residence on Thursday morning. Thimarodi, a well-known face in the ongoing struggle for justice in the Soujanya rape and murder case of 2012, has long been vocal against political interference and systemic failures in the case.
According to reports, the action against him came after he spoke on a YouTube channel against BJP National General Secretary (Organisation) B. L. Santosh. The police have registered an FIR under Sections 352 and 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertain to statements considered conducive to public mischief.
A large police contingent reached his residence early in the day, where tense negotiations unfolded for nearly 50 minutes between the police, Thimarodi’s supporters, and a group of advocates. Finally, Thimarodi boarded his private car, accompanied by another activist, Girish Mattannanavar, as he was taken away for further questioning at Brahmavara police station. His advocates are preparing to move for bail.
Thimarodi’s Fight for Soujanya
For years, Mahesh Shetty Thimarodi has been at the forefront of the Justice for Soujanya campaign. The brutal rape and murder of 17-year-old Soujanya in Dharmasthala shook coastal Karnataka, but the case has been marred by allegations of cover-ups, powerful influence, and lack of proper investigation. Thimarodi has consistently accused influential forces of protecting the real culprits, keeping the case unresolved even after more than a decade.
His activism has often come at a personal cost—continuous police scrutiny, political targeting, and attempts to silence him. Yet, his determination has kept the spotlight on one of the state’s darkest unresolved crimes.
Assumptions on Who Is Behind This
While the FIR cites “statements against a senior BJP leader” as the reason for the detention, Thimarodi’s supporters argue that this is not just about political speech. They believe his arrest is another attempt to intimidate and suppress the Justice for Soujanya movement. Public sentiment, especially in activist circles, is that powerful networks connected to politics and local elites may be behind the harassment of Thimarodi.
Thimarodi’s Chilling Words During Arrest
What makes this episode even more alarming are Thimarodi’s own words during the arrest. He reportedly told supporters and the media present that:
“If Anything Happens to Me Now, the Police and the Karnataka Government Should Be Held Responsible.”
This statement has raised fears about his safety in custody, given the sensitivity of the case he has been fighting and the powerful figures he has been naming in public platforms.
The Bigger Picture
The detention of Mahesh Shetty Thimarodi is more than just a legal episode. It highlights the intersection of politics, power, and justice in Karnataka. The fact that an activist fighting for justice in a high-profile crime case can be detained for speaking out publicly raises uncomfortable questions about freedom of expression, state accountability, and the influence of power in criminal investigations.
For many, Thimarodi is not just an activist—he is a symbol of resistance against silence and injustice. His arrest, and especially his warning about his life, have once again put the Soujanya case and Dharmasthala’s dark undercurrents back in public discourse.
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