Activist Mahesh Shetty Timarodi's Detention Sparks Controversy

Activist Mahesh Shetty Timarodi found himself at the center of controversy on Thursday after police detained him over a hate speech allegation. According to authorities, Timarodi allegedly made derogatory remarks about BJP leader B L Santhosh, leading to a complaint being filed at Brahmavar police station.

The situation escalated when the police went to Timarodi's Ujire residence to take him into custody, resulting in a tense standoff before his eventual detention. The president of the Udupi Rural BJP mandal had earlier lodged a formal complaint seeking legal action against the activist.

Timarodi, who has been leading a fervent campaign alleging multiple suspicious deaths and burials in Dharmasthala, now investigated by a Special Investigation Team, also faces separate charges for allegedly organizing an unauthorized gathering and assaulting journalists. His actions have placed Dharmasthala under intense media scrutiny and political discourse. The police have yet to disclose the specific legal charges pertaining to the hate speech case, though investigations are ongoing.

(With inputs from agencies.)