Clashes in Dharmasthala: Cases registered in Belthangady, Dharmasthala Police Stations
FIR also registered against Suvarna News and its reporter
Belthangady: The District Superintendent of Police has informed that following the clash and assault on YouTubers near Pangala Cross under the jurisdiction of Dharmasthala police station on Wednesday, and subsequent incidents in Ujire, four cases have been registered at the Dharmasthala police station and three at the Belthangady station.
At the Dharmasthala station, four cases have been filed involving the assault on YouTubers, damage to vehicles, and obstruction of police duties.
Complaint by YouTuber Ajay of Kudla Rampage
Ajay, a resident of Bantwal and member of Kudla Rampage, lodged a complaint stating that while recording a video interview with an individual at Pangala Cross in Dharmasthala on Wednesday evening, a mob of around 15 to 50 miscreants arrived at the spot and assaulted him, cameraman Suhas, Sanchaari Studio’s Santosh, and United Media’s Abhishek. They allegedly threw the camera onto the road, damaged it, stole the memory card, and issued life threats. Based on this complaint, Case No. 46/2025 has been registered under Sections 189(2), 191(2), 115(2), 324(5), 352, 307, and 190 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023.
Mob clashes and Police obstruction
In another incident on Wednesday evening at Pangala Cross, around 25 to 50 people gathered in two separate groups and clashed. It is alleged that they disobeyed the instructions of Dharmasthala Police Sub-Inspector and other officers present at the scene, obstructed police duties, and engaged in altercations. A suo moto case (No. 47/2025) has been registered under Sections 189(2), 191(2), 132, 324(6), and 190 of the BNS.
Unlawful gathering without permission
Another suo moto case (No. 48/2025) has been filed under Sections 189(2) and 190 of the BNS for illegally gathering and staging a protest in the Dharmasthala police station premises without prior permission.
Assault on Pramod Kumar Shetty
In the fourth case, registered on Wednesday evening, Pramod Kumar Shetty (42), a resident of Belthangady, alleged that after learning about the assault on YouTubers, he reached Pangala Cross where a mob of 30 to 40 people verbally abused him, assaulted him, and damaged two vehicles and a camera at the scene. Accordingly, Case No. 49/2025 has been registered under Sections 189(2), 191(2), 115(2), 110, 324(3), 352, 351(2), and 190 of the BNS.
Fresh clashes near hospital
Soon after the Dharmasthala incident, a group gathered near the hospital where the assaulted individuals were being treated, leading to further clashes and obstruction of police work. Belthangady police have registered suo moto Case No. 77/2025 under Section 189(2) read with 190 BNS - 2023.
FIRs related to Suvarna News reporter
Based on a complaint by Harish, a reporter from Suvarna News, a case has been filed against Mahesh Shetty Timarodi and others.
Furthermore, based on a complaint by Ganesh Shetty regarding the same incident, a case (No. 76/2025) has been filed against the Suvarna News reporter and Suvarna News channel under Sections 126(2), 296, 351, and 3(5) of the BNS - 2023, the District SP informed.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
India, Ethiopia elevate ties to strategic partnership as PM Modi holds talks with his counterpart
Addis Ababa (PTI): India and Ethiopia on Tuesday elevated their historical ties to a strategic partnership, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with his Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali during which they discussed issues of bilateral and mutual interest.
Modi, who arrived here from Jordan on his maiden bilateral visit, was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the National Palace ahead of the bilateral talks, reflecting the vibrant India-Ethiopia relations rooted in shared history and a promising future.
"We are elevating India and Ethiopia relations to a strategic partnership. This step will provide new energy, new momentum and new depth to our ties," Prime Minister Modi said during the delegation-level talks.
He thanked PM Ali for his support in India's fight against terrorism. "The support of friendly countries in this struggle against terrorism holds great significance," Modi said.
"Today, we got the opportunity to deliberate on the key aspects of our cooperation, such as economy, innovation, technology, defence, health, capacity-building and multilateral cooperation. I am pleased that today, we have decided to double the student scholarship for Ethiopia in India," Modi said.
Modi said that India and Ethiopia have shared contact, dialogue, and exchange for thousands of years. The two countries, which are rich in languages and traditions, are symbols of unity in diversity, he added.
"Both countries are democratic powers committed to peace and the welfare of humanity. We are co-travellers and partners of the Global South. On international platforms, we have stood shoulder-to-shoulder," he said.
The two sides signed eight MoUs/agreements, including upgrading ties to 'Strategic Partnership', customs cooperation, establishing data center at the Ethiopian Foreign Ministry, UN Peacekeeping training cooperation, debt restructuring under G20, more ICCR scholarships and AI short courses for Ethiopians, and support for maternal and neonatal healthcare.
Modi said the African Union's headquarters in Ethiopia makes the country a meeting point of African diplomacy. "Inspired by the common vision of an inclusive world, in 2023, India ensured that the African Union became a G20 member," he said.
In 2023, during India’s G20 Presidency, the African Union was admitted as a permanent member of the G20.
Modi said that though this is his first visit, he felt a deep sense of belonging and warmth, reflecting the thousands of years of connection between the two countries.
On his part, Prime Minister Ali said the two countries share over thousands of years of connection through trade, diplomacy, education, culture and even in our food and traditions. "These ties continue to shape a deep friendship, collaboration and mutual respect between our people," he said.
"We also appreciate your consistent message that Africa's priorities must lead the partnership. These kinds of dignified, respectful messages for Africa are very important. Mr Prime Minister, keep pushing. That is the type of message we are expecting from all our trusted friends," Ali said.
He said this aligned fully with Ethiopia's development plan - African-owned, African-led, and African-defined.
"Today, we meet with a clear focus to shape a modern partnership, grounded in sovereignty, self-reliance and practical cooperation. Our cooperation is rooted in equality and South-South solidarity," he said.
"Our economy is performing strongly. Last year, we grew 9.2% and this year we are expecting 10.3% GDP growth. Besides GDP growth, our FDI inflow is also rising big time. India is the leading source for our FDI," he said.
"We have more than 615 Indian companies which are investing in Ethiopia. This all gives our cooperation a strong foundation of trust. I think our decision today that we elevate our historic relationship to a strategic relationship is the right decision," he added.
Ethiopia also conferred its highest award - The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia - on PM Modi. He is the first global head of state to receive this award.
Prime Minister Modi also went to the Friendship Park and Friendship Square in Addis Ababa with PM Ali.
In a warm and special gesture, PM Modi was earlier received by his Ethiopian counterpart at the airport and accorded a warm and colourful welcome.
"Ethiopia is a nation with great history and vibrant culture," Modi said.
PM Ali informed his Indian counterpart about the varieties of Ethiopian coffee during informal talks.
"At Addis Ababa airport, took part in a traditional Coffee Ceremony with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. The ceremony beautifully highlights Ethiopia’s rich heritage," Modi said.
In a unique gesture, the Ethiopian Prime Minister drove Modi to the hotel.
On the way, he took a special initiative of taking PM Modi to the Science Museum and Friendship Park, which was not in the itinerary.
"Gratitude to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali for showing me glimpses of Ethiopian history and culture at the National Palace Museum in Addis Ababa. It was a powerful reminder of Ethiopia’s rich traditions," Modi said in a post on X.
The Nobel Peace Prize-winning Ethiopian PM’s special gestures show remarkable respect for Modi, sources said.
"Thank you Ethiopia for a welcome that was unforgettable. The Indian community showed remarkable warmth and affection. India-Ethiopia friendship is going to get even more robust in the times to come," Modi said.
When Modi arrived at the hotel, he was warmly welcomed by the members of the Indian community. Local artists performed dances. Some of them danced on the theme of the popular Hindi song 'Aisa Des Hai Mera' to welcome him.
On Wednesday, Modi will address the Joint Session of Parliament and share his thoughts on India's journey as the "Mother of Democracy" and the value that the India-Ethiopia partnership can bring to the Global South.
PM Modi arrived in Ethiopia from Jordan, where he held a one-on-one meeting with King Abdullah II at the Husseiniya Palace on Monday before the delegation-level talks.
India and Jordan also inked MoUs in the fields of culture, renewable energy, water management, digital public infrastructure and twinning arrangement between Petra and Ellora, aimed at giving a major boost to bilateral ties and friendship.
From Ethiopia, Modi will visit Oman on the final leg of this three-nation tour.
