BELTHANGADY
Local authorities have launched an intense search operation across Belthangady to locate Vitthal Gowda, who has been ordered to serve time in prison. The search follows a contempt of court ruling issued against him nearly four months ago.
Gowda, a resident of Pangala in Dharmasthala village, previously faced legal action for making disparaging remarks. Reports confirm that a court in Bangalore had specifically prohibited him from speaking disrespectfully about Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala and Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade. Despite this clear judicial instruction, Gowda allegedly violated the order, leading the court to sentence him to one month in jail.
Since the sentencing, Gowda has managed to evade capture, prompting local police to step up their efforts. Officials from Bangalore arrived in the region, teaming up with local police and court representatives to execute the arrest warrant. The teams conducted thorough raids at multiple locations, including Gowda’s own residence and several homes in the Timarodi area linked to his associates.
Despite these coordinated efforts, the fugitive remains at large. Sources close to the situation suggest that Gowda has filed an appeal in the High Court to challenge the initial sentencing. While he seeks legal relief, the pending arrest warrant remains active. Police continue to monitor the area, urging anyone with information regarding his current whereabouts to come forward immediately as the search continues throughout the district. The authorities have vowed to keep up the pressure until the court’s order is fully carried out.
