Dharmasthala: No Exhumation Today, Kannada channels under scanner

The Karnataka police have registered seven First Information Reports (FIRs) in connection with the violent clashes that broke out in Dharmasthala and Ujira on Wednesday. The FIRs were filed based on complaints from various parties, including YouTuber Ajay Anchan, who alleged that he and his team were attacked by a group of 15-20 people.

According to the complaint, the attackers snatched and broke the YouTubers’ cameras and took away their memory cards. Three other FIRs were registered related to protests that turned violent, while another FIR was filed by a Suba News reporter who alleged that he was attacked by activist Mahesh Shetti Timodi and Girish Matanavar.

The reporter claimed that the duo recognized his channel’s logo and beat him up. However, Mahesh has denied these allegations, and a counter FIR has been filed claiming that the reporter abused the group. Another FIR has been registered for unlawful assembly in front of the hospital where Ajay and other YouTubers were admitted.

Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara has sought a full report on the incident and assured that the authorities will take necessary action. Meanwhile, a protest meeting called by Mahesh Shetti Tumarodi was cancelled, with him stating that the police are still investigating the attack on YouTubers and people should wait.

The incident has sparked a heated debate, with several Kerala channels taking a clear position that those asking for justice for Sujatha Bhat are fake and that their real intention is to attack the Hegde family. These channels, which ignored the story for weeks, are now doing everything they can to question the credibility of the questions being asked about unexplained deaths, murders, and suicides.

Advocate Mangjunath, representing Sugata Bhat, has demanded that major Canada news channels disclose any financial or institutional ties to the Dharmasthala Temple Administration. He accused TV9 Canada, Public TV, Suba News, and Republic Canada of carrying out coverage hysterically in favor of the temple administration while being deeply biased against the victims and the whistleblower.

Mangjunath has given these channels a one-week deadline to make their affiliations public. If they fail to do so, he will file a petition on behalf of Sugata Bhat seeking legal orders to compel them to reveal such affiliations.

The situation remains tense, with the police working to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice. The incident has raised concerns about the role of media in such cases and the need for transparency and accountability.

As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen how the authorities will handle the case and address the concerns of all parties involved. The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities of modern society and the need for greater understanding, empathy, and tolerance.

The Dharmasthala case has sparked a wider conversation about the importance of freedom of expression and the role of social media in highlighting important issues. While some have condemned the YouTubers for allegedly disrespecting the temple, others have come out in support of the creators, citing their right to free speech.

The case highlights the need for greater awareness and sensitivity towards different communities and institutions. It also underscores the importance of responsible reporting and the need for media outlets to disclose any potential conflicts of interest.

As the situation unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor how the authorities handle the case and how the media reports on it. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency, accountability, and responsible behavior in all aspects of life.

In the coming days, it will be essential to watch how the situation develops and how the authorities address the concerns of all parties involved. Will the perpetrators be brought to justice, and will the media outlets be held accountable for their actions? Only time will tell. For now, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of modern society and the need for greater understanding and empathy.
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