Dharmasthala: After appearing before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) and submitting documents, Girish Mattannavar stated that he has clarified all allegations made against him and his associates, maintaining that they are fighting a fair battle.
“No one can lie in the era of mobile phones. I was not called for committing a crime; the SIT called me because I wrote a letter and submitted evidence,” Mattannavar told reporters.
Claims of Panchayat Forgery and Illegal Burials
Mattannavar alleged large-scale forgery in panchayat records and irregularities in the disposal of dead bodies, particularly in Dharmasthala. He stated that couples who died in local lodges were not buried legally and that documents proving this have been handed over to the SIT.
Call for Fair Probe
He said there was suspicion of someone influencing a key witness, Chinnayya, to change his statement and called for the SIT to investigate who might have orchestrated it.
“We have full faith in the SIT. Let them conduct a thorough investigation into everything,” he added.
Mattannavar reaffirmed his support for Mahesh Shetty Timarodi, stressing that neither of them had received formal notices for arrest and that they would face proceedings lawfully if required.