Mangaluru: Yakshagana artists allege abuse by activist Mahesh Shetty Timarodi; FIRs filed

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Apr 17, 2026: Yakshagana artists have expressed strong outrage against social activist Mahesh Shetty Timarodi, accusing him of verbally abusing them and their family members over a comedy programme aired on a cable channel.

Renowned artist Sundar Rai Mandar and his team alleged that Timarodi made abusive phone calls to them following the telecast of the comedy show titled “Burude Gang.” According to the artists, the programme featured a fictional storyline about defaming an influential person through false allegations, and had no connection to the Dharmasthala incidents or to Timarodi. However, he allegedly assumed that one of the characters resembled him and reacted angrily.

Addressing a press conference, Sundar Rai Mandar said, “As artists, we are prepared to face criticism and even insults from society. But Timarodi used highly obscene language against our parents and the women in our families. This is unacceptable. No self-respecting person can remain silent, and hence we have approached the police seeking justice.” He clarified that the complaint was filed without any external pressure or provocation.

Another artist, Dinesh Kodapadavu, also condemned the incident, stating, “People may call others ‘pedambu’ (fool), but we too know words far harsher than that. Our tongue is our livelihood. We once had respect for him, but that is now lost. We cannot remain silent after hearing such abuse.”

In connection with the incident, two FIRs have been registered against Mahesh Shetty Timarodi at Puttur Rural Police Station and the Women’s Police Station. Complaints have been filed by theatre artist Sundar Rai Mandar and in the name of the mother of Yakshagana artist Dinesh Shettigar Kodapadavu.