The case was filed based on a complaint by Superintendent of Police (SP) C. A. Simon, who is also head of the investigation, Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Dharmasthala mass burial case.
During a search at Thimarodi’s residence near Ujire,
the SIT recovered machetes and an air gun. The search was carried out to seize the belongings of accused Chinnayya, who had been staying at Thimarodi’s residence during the exhumation operation. The SIT also found that Chinnayya had not been kept under house arrest, as claimed, but was moving about freely in the house.
As per protocol, the SIT must file a complaint if illegal arms are found in anyone’s possession, and the procedure was followed. An air gun with muzzle energy of less than 20 joules (15 ft-lbs) and a bore size of 4.5 mm (0.177 inches) or less does not require a licence. If it exceeds these limits, however, a licence is mandatory under the Arms Rules. The air gun found in Thirmarodi’s house had prohibited bore size. Belthangady police may serve notice to Thimarodi.
