Activist Mahesh Shetty booked under Arms Act, alleges political vendetta

While police cite seizure of arms as grounds for legal action, the activist appeals to the NHRC, accusing authorities of systemic misuse of law to stifle dissent, demanding independent inquiry and urgent reforms to safeguard democratic rights.

Mangaluru: Belthangady police have registered a case against activist Mahesh Shetty Thimarody under various sections of the Arms Act, following a complaint by the Special Investigation Team (SIT).

According to DK SP Dr Arun K, on August 26, SIT officers, armed with a court-issued search warrant, conducted a search at Mahesh Shetty Thimarody’s residence in Ujire village.

The search was carried out in the presence of pancha witnesses, police staff, SOCO officials, and SIT personnel. During the raid, several items were seized and later presented before the court for further legal action.

Following the recovery, the SIT officer submitted a complaint to the DK SP detailing the materials found at Mahesh Shetty’s residence. After due verification, on September 16, Belthangady police registered a case under Sections 25(1)(1-A) and 25(1)(1-B)(a) of the Arms Act, 1959. The investigation is ongoing, said the SP.

Thimarody Submits Complaint to NHRC

Meanwhile, Mahesh Shetty Thimarody has reportedly submitted a detailed complaint to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), alleging police excesses, political targeting, and gross violations of fundamental rights in connection with the case filed against him.

He appealed to the NHRC to constitute an independent high-level inquiry committee to investigate all four FIRs registered against him across Brahmavar, Karkala, and Belthangady police stations. Thimarody urged the commission to declare these FIRs fabricated and politically motivated, and recommend their immediate withdrawal. He also sought disciplinary and criminal action against the responsible officers.

Further, Thimarody requested the NHRC to ensure safety and protection for him, his family, and his karyakartas. He called on the commission to recommend urgent reforms to the Government and Home Ministry to prevent misuse of criminal law as a tool to silence activists and political dissenters.