National News: For centuries, Dharmasthala has been more than just a pilgrimage destination — it has stood as the guardian of the Nyaya tradition, a revered system of arbitration rooted in fairness, mutual trust, and community consensus. This unique legacy has not only resolved countless disputes but has also served as a moral anchor for the region. Today, this heritage faces a calculated assault from a campaign that presents itself as a fight for justice but, upon closer examination, appears to be fueled by personal grudges.
The Figure at the Center: Mahesh Shetty Thimarodi
At the forefront of this movement is Mahesh Shetty Thimarodi, a self-proclaimed crusader who espouses Hindu nationalist rhetoric and commands a small circle of loyal followers. Hailing from Ujire Village in Belthangady Taluk, Mahesh projects the image of a fearless reformer. Yet, official records reveal another side — one marked by repeated defeats in land disputes adjudicated under Dharmasthala’s Nyaya system.
These repeated setbacks, insiders say, have left him with a deeply personal grievance and a clear motive: to undermine the credibility of the very institution that ruled against him.
A Strategic Alliance with Tragic Origins
Mahesh’s cause gained visibility when he aligned himself with the parents of Sowjanya, the young victim in the infamous 2012 rape and murder case. While the tragedy rightly stirred public outrage, many in the local community believe Mahesh has weaponized the family’s grief, using their pain as emotional leverage for his own political and monetary gains.
Questions of Scale and Funding
Although Mahesh’s rhetoric is framed as “people’s justice,” the scope of his campaign raises eyebrows. The well-orchestrated protests, coordinated messaging, and sophisticated logistics suggest resources far beyond those of an average grassroots movement. Yet, the origin of these funds remains shrouded in secrecy.
Adding to the skepticism is his reluctance to participate in neutral “truth verification” processes. Instead, he insists on selectively tailored conditions that align with his narrative — a move critics see as an attempt to evade objective scrutiny.
From Justice to Chaos
What began as a stated mission to hold the powerful accountable has morphed into a targeted attempt to erode Dharmasthala’s moral authority. If successful, this vendetta-driven campaign could dismantle a centuries-old justice system and replace it with mob-led trials, where public perception overrides truth and due process.
The danger is not limited to Dharmasthala alone. Should this cornerstone of community-based arbitration collapse, the blow will resonate far beyond its boundaries, striking at the heart of every society that still believes truth must prevail over theatrics.
