Lawyer Arrested for Derogatory Remarks on Field Marshal Cariappa and General Thimayya, Released on Conditional Bail

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Madikeri: A Kodagu based lawyer, identified as K.V. Vidhyadhar, was arrested by the Kodagu police late on Friday night for allegedly making derogatory remarks on Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa and General K.S. Thimayya in a social media post.

The arrest followed after widespread condemnation from Kodava organisations and individuals within and beyond Kodagu district, according to reports.

Various Kodava Samajas, including Kodava Makkada Koota filed complaints at multiple police stations, demanding strict action against the accused. Several political representatives, including Mysuru MP Yaduveer Wadiyar, Madikeri MLA Mantar Gowda, and Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna, Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy, and Codava National Council (CNC) also criticised the remarks, terming them disrespectful to national heroes.

Vidhyadhar was presented before the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) court in Madikeri, where the government prosecutor submitted an objection letter opposing bail. However, the court granted him conditional bail late at night, leading to his subsequent release, according to a report of TV1News Kodagu.

CNC Condemns Derogatory Statements Against Military Icons

In response to the incident, CNC President N.U. Nachappa issued a strong statement condemning the remarks. “Vidhyadhar's derogatory statements against revered military legends like Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa and General K.S. Thimayya are absolutely unacceptable. Such remarks not only insult their legacy but also demean the patriotic spirit of Kodavas and the larger Indian community,” he said.

"It's alarming to note that Vidhyadhar has been engaged in anti-national activities for 35-40 years, conspiring against the Codava community, and weakening their morale through demonization and intimidation. Deport Vidhyadhar permanently from Kodagu: To prevent further harm to the Codava community and maintain social harmony," Nachappa added.

The incident has sparked outrage among Kodavas, a community that holds Cariappa and Thimayya in the highest regard for their contributions to India's military history.

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