In Mangaluru, Karnataka, the investigation into the controversial case in Dharmasthala is heating up. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is set to present Chinnaiah, popularly known as the “mask man,” before the local court in Belthangady. The court is expected to decide whether to send him to jail for further questioning.
Chinnaiah had previously claimed that he was forced to bury women and girls who were raped and murdered in Dharmasthala. He shared his statement with authorities and asked for the bodies to be exhumed so he could be present. He also alleged that the victims showed clear signs of sexual assault. The whistleblower even handed over a skull, believed to be from one of the burial sites, to the SIT as crucial evidence.
Initially, Chinnaiah was given police protection under the Witness Protection Act. However, sources say this protection has now been withdrawn. Authorities are waiting for detailed reports from forensic labs, including DNA analysis of sand samples collected from 17 different excavation sites.
Home Minister G. Parameshwara explained that the soil at the burial sites might cause human bones to dissolve, which the forensic reports will confirm. Once they get these findings, the police will proceed with the next phases of investigation.
A key focus for the SIT is the skull that Chinnaiah brought to court. He claims he obtained it with help from activists. The SIT has questioned several activists and YouTubers, including Girish Mattennavar, T. Jayanth, and Sameer, who is known for raising concerns about temple authorities and making allegations against the Dharmadhikari, the temple’s head.
The investigation also involves Sujatha Bhat, who initially claimed her daughter, Ananya Bhat—a medical student—went missing, but later retracted her statement, saying she had no daughter and was possibly pressured into making false claims. Authorities are planning to question other individuals, including Mahesh Shetty Thimarodi and YouTuber Manaf from Kerala, who is being asked to appear with electronic gadgets.
The case has sparked political reactions, with leaders from different parties holding rallies near Dharmasthala. They showed support for the temple administration and the Dharmadhikari, Veerendra Heggade. Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has said there’s a big conspiracy against Dharmasthala and assured that people behind it won’t escape justice.
Additionally, a group of religious leaders met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, demanding an investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). They claimed Shah assured them that he is monitoring the situation closely and will take appropriate action soon.
As the investigation continues, authorities remain committed to uncovering the truth behind the case and ensuring justice.
