Mangaluru: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating allegations of crimes in Dharmasthala will produce the complainant, Chinnaiah, known as “mask man,” before the local court in Belthangady, Mangaluru district, on Saturday. The court is expected to send him to judicial custody.

Earlier, while the SIT sought 10 days’ custody, the court on September 3 had extended SIT custody till September 6.

Complainant’s allegations

On July 11, Chinnaiah claimed that he was forced to bury the bodies of women and girls who were allegedly raped and murdered in Dharmasthala, and recorded his statement before authorities. He requested that the bodies be exhumed in his presence, alleging that the victims bore clear signs of sexual assault.

Chinnaiah reportedly submitted a skull, allegedly recovered from one of the burial sites, to the SIT as evidence. He had been granted protection under the Witness Protection Act, which police sources said has now been revoked.

Authorities are awaiting FSL and DNA analysis reports of sand samples collected from 17 excavated sites. Home Minister G. Parameshwara stated that, due to soil conditions at the burial spots, human bones may dissolve, which will be confirmed through lab reports. He said the major phase of the investigation will begin after these findings.

SIT probe and questioning of activists

The SIT is examining the authenticity of the skull presented as the first piece of evidence. Chinnaiah claimed he obtained it with help from activists. Activists and YouTubers are now being interrogated by the SIT, including:

  • Girish Mattennavar

  • T Jayanth

  • YouTuber Sameer

    • Additionally, the SIT is questioning Sujatha Bhat, who initially alleged that her daughter, Ananya Bhat, went missing under suspicious circumstances. She later retracted the statement, claiming she had no daughter, alleging she was blackmailed into filing the complaint.

    Notices have also been issued to Mahesh Shetty Thimarodi and Kerala YouTuber Manaf to appear for questioning along with electronic devices.

    Political and religious response

    The case has taken a political turn, with leaders from Congress, BJP, and JD(S) visiting Dharmasthala to express solidarity with the temple management and Dharmadhikari Veerendra Heggade.

    Karnataka Deputy CM and Congress state president DK Shivakumar alleged that a conspiracy is underway against Dharmasthala, and said the conspirators would not be spared.

    Meanwhile, a delegation of religious seers met Union Home Minister Amit Shah to demand an NIA probe. Sources said Amit Shah assured the delegation that he was closely monitoring developments and would take appropriate action soon.