Belthangady: The Belthangady court has posted December 29 for pronouncing its decision on the chargesheet, technically referred to as a complaint report under Section 215 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, filed by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in connection with the alleged false claims of mass burial of bodies in Dharmasthala village.
The chargesheet has been filed against Chinnaiah and activists Mahesh Shetty Thimarody, Girish Mattennavar, T. Jayanth, Vittala Gowda, along with Sujatha Bhat.
Background of the case
The case pertains to allegations of mass burial of bodies in Dharmasthala village, which had triggered public attention and investigation. Chinnaiah was earlier arrested by the SIT for allegedly lodging a false complaint and making false statements before the court in connection with the matter.
During the course of investigation, the SIT reportedly concluded that Chinnaiah had made the false allegations under pressure from activists Mahesh Shetty Thimarody, Girish Mattennavar, T. Jayanth, and Vittala Gowda.
SIT findings and failure to cooperate
According to the SIT, notices were issued to the four activists seeking their appearance for questioning. However, they allegedly failed to appear before the investigating officer despite the notices.
Following this, the SIT submitted a 3,900-page complaint report before the court against Chinnaiah, the four activists, and Sujatha Bhat. Sujatha Bhat was accused of filing a false complaint regarding her daughter allegedly going missing in Dharmasthala.
Sections invoked under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
The accused have been booked under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including:
- Section 227 – Giving false evidence
- Section 228 – Fabricating false evidence
- Sections 229 and 230 – Giving or fabricating false evidence with intent to procure conviction of a capital offence
- Section 231 – Giving or fabricating false evidence with intent to procure conviction of an offence punishable with life imprisonment
- Section 233 – Using evidence known to be false
- Section 236 – False statement made in a declaration receivable as evidence by law
- Section 240 – Giving false information with respect to an offence
- Section 248 – False charge of offence made with intent to injure
- Section 336 – Forgery
The SIT has alleged that these offences were committed in a concerted manner to mislead investigators and the judicial process.
Court proceedings so far
After hearing arguments from Public Prosecutor Divyaraj Hegde regarding the SIT’s complaint report, Additional Civil Judge and Judicial Magistrate First Class T.H. Vijayendra had earlier posted the matter to Friday for pronouncement of the court’s decision.
On Friday, Chinnaiah, who was recently released on bail from Shivamogga jail, appeared before the Belthangady court as directed.
Matter adjourned to December 29
Following his appearance, the magistrate adjourned the case to December 29 for pronouncing the order on whether the court would take cognisance of the SIT’s complaint report.
As per court records, activist T. Jayanth received a copy of the chargesheet on Friday. Further directions regarding the remaining accused are expected after the court’s decision.
Conclusion
The case, which has attracted significant public and legal attention, is now at a crucial stage, with the Belthangady court set to decide on the voluminous SIT report. The ruling on December 29 is expected to determine the next course of legal action against the accused in the alleged false mass burial claims linked to Dharmasthala.