Mangaluru Aug 24 : In a dramatic twist to the Dharmasthala case, revelations have emerged that individuals with serious criminal backgrounds posed as human rights officials during the investigation. Among them was a known rowdy-sheeter from Hubballi, Madan Mugadi, and a Bengaluru-based pastor named John Shamine

The incident occurred when Girish Mattennavar, a former police officer, along with activist Mahesh Shetty Timarodi, visited the Beltangady police station following Timarodi’s arrest. They were accompanied by Mugadi, who was introduced to the media as a representative of the Human Rights Commission. Mugadi, dressed in a formal coat, claimed he had come to surrender and mocked police procedures, calling the station his “uncle’s house.”

Investigations have now revealed that Mugadi is a notorious criminal with a long list of charges, including murder, robbery, and cattle theft. Police sources confirm he is a documented rowdy-sheeter known to law enforcement in Hubballi. He was even publicly reprimanded by then-Commissioner Shashikumar during a rowdy parade in Hubballi.

Adding to the controversy, John Shamine — a pastor running a church in Doddaballapur, Bengaluru — was also present with the group. He allegedly claimed to be affiliated with an organization called the “International Human Rights Anti-Corruption and Social Justice Commission.” Sources allege that Shamain has a history of misusing the human rights label to threaten police and extort money.

Police now believe that both Madan Mugadi and John Shamain were masquerading as human rights officials to mislead the media and interfere with law enforcement operations. Videos circulating online show Mugadi offering legal help to alleged victims of police brutality, raising concerns over the manipulation of human rights narratives for personal or political gain.

Authorities are expected to register cases against both individuals for impersonation and obstruction of police duties.How Can a Pastor Align with a Rowdy-Sheeter? A Blatant Misuse of ‘Human Rights’

In what can only be described as a shocking breach of public trust, a Bengaluru-based pastor has allegedly aligned himself with a known rowdy-sheeter to stage a performance under the banner of human rights. Pastor John Shamain, who claims to lead a church in Doddaballapur, appeared at the Beltangady police station with Madan Mugadi, a criminal with a long-standing rap sheet, including murder and extortion.

The two posed as human rights officials — a serious misrepresentation that raises dangerous questions.

What is a pastor doing associating with a rowdy-sheeter under active criminal cases ? 

How can someone entrusted with spiritual leadership invite a man known for violence and crime into his organization?

Can a person who claims to uphold moral and social justice use the very institutions of justice as a disguise for misdirection and manipulation?

This is not just a case of misrepresentation; it’s a mockery of human rights advocacy. Real human rights defenders work selflessly, transparently, and within the framework of the law. Here, the shield of “human rights” was used to mislead police, confuse the media, and possibly influence public perception.

The danger lies in undermining genuine human rights efforts, making it harder for real victims to be taken seriously when conmen and criminals hijack the discourse. If religious leaders begin enabling such acts, it erodes public trust in both the Church and civil society.

Authorities must act swiftly — not only to charge those involved but also to investigate the networks that allow such impersonation to occur unchecked.