In a significant move to maintain public order, the Mangaluru Police Commissioner has once again invoked stringent legal provisions to keep a known figure away from the city's limits. The police authority has issued a fresh externment order against Mahesh Shetty Thimarodi, a resident of Bantwal, prohibiting his entry into Mangaluru city for an extended period.
Police Action and Legal Grounds
The order was formally issued by Mangaluru Police Commissioner Anupam Agrawal under the Karnataka Police Act of 1963. This is not the first such action against Thimarodi. A previous externment directive was enforced against him on July 11, 2023, which was set to expire on July 10, 2024. The latest order effectively extends this ban for another year.
Law enforcement officials have justified this continued action by citing Thimarodi's alleged ongoing activities. The police claim he has been involved in multiple criminal cases that pose a threat to public order and safety. The specific legal framework used is Section 55(g) of the Karnataka Police Act, which empowers authorities to extern individuals to prevent them from committing offences.
Background and Police Allegations
The procedural steps leading to this order were initiated by the Bantwal town police. They submitted a detailed report to the Commissioner, outlining the reasons for seeking an extension of the externment. According to police records, Mahesh Shetty Thimarodi is implicated in several criminal cases registered within the Bantwal police station's jurisdiction.
The police allege that his presence and activities in and around Mangaluru are detrimental to the peaceful life of citizens. The report emphasized that allowing him to remain in the area could lead to further incidents disturbing public tranquility. The Commissioner, after reviewing the report and the perceived threat, deemed it necessary to continue the restrictive measures.
Implications and Scope of the Order
The externment order carries serious legal consequences. Mahesh Shetty Thimarodi is now legally barred from entering the limits of Mangaluru City Police Commissionerate for the duration specified. Violation of this order would constitute a punishable offence, potentially leading to arrest and further legal action.
This police action highlights the use of preventive measures in law enforcement, where individuals with a history of alleged criminal involvement can be restricted from certain geographical areas to pre-empt crime and ensure community safety. The decision underscores the police's focus on proactive strategies to manage individuals they classify as habitual offenders or a persistent threat to public order.
The case continues to draw attention to the balance between individual liberty and the state's responsibility to maintain public peace, with the Mangaluru police firmly opting for a preventive approach in this instance.
