Did Mahesh Shetty Timarodi really say CM Siddaramaiah killed 24 people? Here’s the truth
Mangaluru: A video circulating on social media claims that Mahesh Shetty Timarodi stated Chief Minister Siddaramaiah killed 24 people. The government has announced that legal action will be taken against Timarodi without hesitation. Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar also commented on the issue. But did Timarodi actually make such a statement? What is the truth behind the viral video?
What does the viral video show?
A video has gone viral showing Mahesh Shetty Timarodi allegedly saying, “Siddaramaiah has killed 24 people. Siddaramaiah should immediately resign as Chief Minister.” Following this, there were widespread demands for action against him. Speaking on the Dharmasthala matter, DCM Shivakumar remarked, “Someone who fuels such claims has called the CM a murderer. Yet, none of you reported it.”
Debate in the Assembly
The video was also discussed in the Assembly today. Opposition leader R. Ashok raised the issue, stating, “The same person who repeatedly insults Dharmasthala is now accusing CM Siddaramaiah of 24 murders, thus insulting the Chief Minister of the state. When allegations arose against Dharmasthala, the government immediately formed an SIT. Will they do the same now when such a charge is made against the CM?” He accused the government of silence and surrender.
What is the reality?
Upon verification, it was found that the viral video was edited. The original clip shows Mahesh Shetty Timarodi referring to a past statement by BJP MLA Harish Poonja, who had accused Siddaramaiah of involvement in the killing of 24 Hindu activists. The viral video distorted Timarodi’s words to make it appear that he himself accused Siddaramaiah.
The original incident dates back to May 24, 2023, when MLA Harish Poonja in Beltangady said, “Satyanna, you sought votes for Siddaramaiah who killed 24 Hindu workers. You asked for votes for Congress that promised to ban Bajrang Dal. Today the people of Beltangady are questioning your Hindutva.” This was captured in the original video.
Following this, an FIR was registered against Poonja under IPC Sections 153, 153(A), 505(1)(B), 505(1)(C), and 505(2) for communal provocation, but the High Court granted a stay.
On May 26, 2023, Timarodi, reacting to the controversy, said, “Jail Harish Poonja, who accused Siddaramaiah of 24 murders, or else people of the state will think it is true that the CM committed the killings.” However, this video was edited and spread as if Timarodi himself had directly accused Siddaramaiah.
Journalist Naveen Soorinje said, “When Harish Poonja accused Siddaramaiah of killings, he went unpunished. Now, at least in response to the opposition’s demands, the government should probe, jail Harish Poonja, and lift the stay on the Beltangady case that alleged Siddaramaiah killed 24 Hindus.”
Interestingly, when opposition leader Ashok repeated the allegation in the Assembly, MLA Harish Poonja himself was present but did not clarify that it was his own earlier remark.
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Couple, son 'hacked' to death over witchcraft suspicion in Jharkhand's Palamu
Medininagar (PTI): A couple and their 18-year-old son were allegedly hacked to death over suspicion of practising witchcraft in Jharkhand's Palamu, police said on Sunday.
Their minor daughter was also injured in the attack late on Saturday, a police officer said.
The bodies were recovered from their house on Sunday in Panki police station area, he said.
“Initial investigation suggests that the case is related to witchcraft suspicion,” Manoj Kumar Jha, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Lesliganj told PTI.
A manhunt is on to nab the culprits, Jha said.
The girl suffered severe injuries and has been admitted to a government hospital, he said.
The deceased have been identified as Vijay Bhuiyan (45), his wife Kalia Devi (40), and their son Chotu Bhuiyan.
The bodies have been sent to Medinirai Medical College and Hospital (MMCH) for post-mortem examination.
