Court Reserves Order on Activist Thimarody’s Anticipatory Bail Plea

Court Reserves Order on Activist Thimarody’s Anticipatory Bail Plea

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Oct 5, 2025: The Principal District and Sessions Judge of Dakshina Kannada, Basavaraj, has posted to October 9 the order on the anticipatory bail plea filed by activist Mahesh Shetty Thimarody in a case registered against him under the Arms Act.

The case stems from a statement by Chinnaiah before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) that he had filed a false complaint regarding mass burials in Dharmasthala at the behest of Thimarody and others. Acting on this, the SIT searched Thimarody’s residence on August 26 and seized 44 items, including two iron swords measuring 25.5 inches and 20.5 inches, and a 0.22 calibre 5.5 mm airgun.

Based on a complaint by SIT Chief Investigation Officer C.A. Simon, Belthangady Police registered a case on September 16 under Sections 25(1), 25(1-A) and 25(1-B)(a) of the Arms Act. Thimarody, who has been absconding since September 19 despite two notices issued by the investigation officer, filed an anticipatory bail application on September 23 under Section 482 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.

Opposing the bail plea, Principal Public Prosecutor Judith O.M. Crasta argued on Saturday that Thimarody did not have the District Magistrate’s permission, as required under the Arms Rules, to possess the swords and airgun. She said he has failed to cooperate with the investigation and to explain the presence of the weapons.

Ms. Crasta further told the court that Thimarody is a “rowdy-sheeter” with 24 criminal cases, including assault and hate speech, registered against him. She maintained that his continued activities disturb public order, and the police were empowered to register an FIR for unauthorised possession of arms.