In Karnataka’s Mangaluru, the police investigation into the controversial Dharmasthala murders case continues to unfold. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is digging deeper into the allegations and has recently summoned a YouTuber from Kerala, Manaf, for questioning.
Manaf, who owns a truck and runs a popular YouTube channel, gained attention after he uploaded a video showing a skull he claimed to have found near Dharmasthala. In his video, uploaded on July 11, he suggested that hundreds of such skulls could be exhumed from the area. This was the same day that a key witness, known as “mask man” Chinnaiah, appeared in court and gave his statement.
The police say the skull shown in Manaf’s video was taken from a forested area in Dharmasthala called Banglagudda. They found the skull buried beside a tree where a saree was also discovered. To retrieve the skull, the police used a sword and recorded the entire process on video. Interestingly, this video seems to match the one uploaded by Manaf, raising questions about how he got access to it before any official investigation started.
Police also found photos of Manaf at the home of activist Mahesh Shetty Timarody, who has openly challenged local temple authorities. Manaf has posted several videos related to Dharmasthala, which has stirred up the ongoing controversy.
Now, authorities have asked Manaf to appear for questioning with his electronic devices and relevant documents, as they believe he might have more important information about the case. Meanwhile, his truck was recently found washed away in nearby Karwar district, and his truck driver, Arjun, was found dead. Investigators are looking into how Manaf obtained the July 11 video about the skull, suspecting he might have been in contact with activist Jayanth.
Other activists are also involved in the case. Girish Mattennanavar, known for protesting against local temple authorities, recently appeared before the SIT in Belthangady. Activist Jayanth is currently under police watch at the SIT station. Likewise, YouTuber Abhisheik, who had been questioned for three days, is still being held at the SIT office due to security reasons.
In other updates, “mask man” Chinnaiah was taken to the hospital for a medical checkup. His custody with the SIT will end on Saturday, and he is expected to be produced in court again on September 6. The court may also order his judicial custody.
Adding to the developments, Karnataka police have filed an FIR against YouTuber Vasanth Giliyar, who publicly supports the temple authorities. The complaint was made by K. V. Stanley from the Odanady Trust, who accused Giliyar of spreading false and provocative statements, including claiming that Stanley called for the destruction of Dharmasthala pilgrimage center. Stanley also alleged that Giliyar’s comments have created communal tension and threatened his safety.
Stanley, who previously spoke out against a seer involved in a rape case under the POCSO Act, said that Giliyar’s remarks are fueling unnecessary trouble and hatred.
Overall, the investigation into the Dharmasthala case remains complex, with many angles being explored by authorities. Stay tuned for more updates on this high-profile case.
