Dharmasthala: Multiple cases registered over Aug 6 Pangala cross disturbance

Mangalore Today News Network

Beltangady, Aug 7, 2025: Seven cases—four at Dharmasthala police station and three at Beltangady police station—have been registered in connection with the disturbances that occurred on August 6 at Pangala Cross, under Dharmasthala police limits.

The first case stems from a complaint by Ajay, a Bantwal resident and owner of the YouTube channel Kudla Rampage. He alleged that while filming a video byte at Pangala Cross, a mob of 15 to 50 individuals assaulted him, his cameraman Suhas, Santosh of Sanchaari Studio, and Abhishek of United Media. They allegedly damaged the camera, stole the memory card, and issued life threats. The Dharmasthala police booked the case under Sections 189(2), 191(2), 115(2), 324(5), 352, 307 read with 190 of BNS-2023.

That same evening, two groups of 25 to 50 people allegedly gathered unlawfully at Pangala Cross and, despite police warnings, refused to disperse and got into a scuffle. A suo moto case was registered under Sections 189(2), 191(2), 132, 324(6), and 190 of BNS-2023.

In a separate incident, 50 to 100 people reportedly assembled illegally in front of the Dharmasthala police station without prior permission. This case, too, was registered under Sections 189(2) and 190 of BNS-2023.

Pramod Kumar Shetty (42), a Beltangady resident, filed a complaint stating that after hearing of the YouTuber assault, he visited Pangala Cross and was verbally abused and attacked by a mob of 30 to 40. His two vehicles and a camera were allegedly damaged. This case was filed under Sections 189(2), 191(2), 115(2), 110, 324(3), 352, 351(2) read with 190 of BNS-2023.

Harish R (34), a Bengaluru-based crime reporter for Asianet Suvarna News, alleged that he was assaulted near Ujire’s Benaka Hospital while reporting on the Pangala incident. He named Girish Mattannanavar, Mahesh Shetty Timarodi, and a YouTuber named Sameer as the accused. The Beltangady police registered a case under Sections 189(2), 191(1)(2), 115(2), 351(2), 352, and 190 of BNS-2023.

In another complaint, Ganesh Shetty (28) stated that he had taken injured persons to Benaka Hospital, where Mahesh Shetty Timarodi and Girish Mattannanavar were asked for a video byte but were allegedly obstructed by a Suvarna News team. He claimed they were verbally abused and later falsely accused in a broadcast by anchor Ajith Hanumakkanavar. A case has been registered under Sections 126(2), 296, 351, and 3(5) of BNS-2023.

Finally, in response to a crowd reported outside Benaka Hospital on the evening of August 6, Beltangady PSI and staff found 50 to 100 people unlawfully gathered and shouting slogans. Despite warnings, the crowd allegedly obstructed police duties. A suo moto case was filed under Section 189(2) read with 190 of BNS-2023.

Police have stated that investigations and further legal action in all cases are ongoing.