Ajit Hanumakkanavar. Image Credit: Vartha Bharati
Dharmasthala Crimes: Police book Suvarna news anchor Ajith Hunumakkanavar for airing false news
Belthangady
The Belthangady police have booked Ajith Hanuakkanavar, a news anchor and editor at Asiantnet Suvarna News, along with two other staffers of the channel, in connection with an incident that unfolded at Benaka Hospital in Ujire on Wednesday evening.
The FIR, registered under sections 126(2), 296, 351, and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, accuses the Suvarna News crew of attempting to forcibly enter the hospital premises, verbally abusing local media activists, and later airing false and defamatory news coverage of the incident.
According to the complaint filed by Ganesh Shetty, the altercation began when he brought several injured journalists to the hospital for treatment. These included his brother Pramod, Santosh Kumar of Sanchari Studio, Ajay Anchan of Kudla Ram Page, and Abhishek from United Media, along with cameraman Ajay.
As the injured were being admitted, Suvarna News reporter and cameraman reportedly confronted Mahesh Shetty Timarodi and Girish Mattannavar—both activists associated with the “Justice for Soujanya” campaign. The channel’s crew demanded interviews (bites) inside the hospital, but were politely refused.
Girish allegedly told them: “this is a hospital, there are many people here, please do not provoke anger. Your anchor Ajith Jain has already broadcast false news supporting Dharmasthala. Despite this, the Suvarna crew allegedly attempted to force their way into the premises.
Tensions escalated, and bystanders reportedly objected to Suvarna News entering a sensitive area while allegedly misrepresenting facts and disturbing the sentiments of both the injured journalists and the complainant’s family. When refused access, the Suvarna News team allegedly used abusive language, calling the activists derogatory names and physically pushing them.
The scuffle led to Mahesh Shetty and Girish Mattannavar escorting the Suvarna team inside the hospital in an attempt to de-escalate the situation. However, the crew allegedly remained aggressive and continued making calls, claiming they would report the incident regardless.
Soon after, Suvarna News went on air with a report by anchor Ajith Hanuakkanavar, falsely alleging that activist Mahesh Shetty had assaulted their reporters. The complainant stated that the channel aired distorted facts and broadcast defamatory content, demanding immediate legal action against the news anchor, reporter, and cameraman.
The police have begun an investigation and are examining security footage and witness testimonies. As of now, no arrests have been made, but officials confirmed that the situation is being treated seriously given the sensitive nature of the Soujanya campaign and rising tensions surrounding media coverage in the region.
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I respectfully request you, sir, to file a serious cybercrime complaint against the following social media accounts (Instagram). These accounts are spreading fake news, provoking the public, and misrepresenting sensitive issues related to the Dharmasthala burial cases. They are intentionally attempting to create unrest and incite people against the temple. The details of the social media accounts involved are mentioned below. Strict action is urgently needed to prevent further damage.
@sathyameev @bengaluru__buzz @ymadmin.4u @troll_thimma_rowdy @jawari_jamkhandi_mandi2.o @jawari_jamkhandi_mandi @jawari_dharwad_mandi_ @dharmadapara @namma_karunadu_craze_