Beltangady: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the high-profile Dharmasthala case has submitted its final investigation report before the Beltangady court, marking a significant development in the long-running case.
The comprehensive report was submitted before Additional Civil Judge Shashank Nagendra Bhat at the Beltangady court at around 3 pm on Tuesday. The submission follows the court’s earlier direction to complete the investigation and file a final report after examining all aspects of the case.
Final report spans 7,005 pages
According to officials, the final report has been compiled into 12 files and runs to 7,005 pages.
The report includes the earlier 3,923-page report submitted by the SIT and an additional 3,082 pages prepared following further investigation ordered by the court.
The extensive documentation reflects the volume of evidence, statements and material examined by the investigating agency during the course of the probe.
Earlier report was not accepted by the court
The present submission follows developments that began on November 20, 2025, when the Beltangady SIT submitted a 3,923-page perjury (false evidence) report under Section 215 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The report named C N Chinnayya, Mahesh Shetty Thimarodi, Girish Mattannavar, Jayanth T, Vittal Gowda and Sujatha Bhat in connection with allegations of furnishing false evidence.
However, at that stage, the court declined to accept the report as the final outcome of the investigation. Instead, it directed the SIT to carry out further investigation and submit a comprehensive final report after completing the probe.
Further investigation completed
Acting on the court’s directions, the SIT continued its investigation, examined additional material and incorporated its findings into the final report submitted on July 15.
The latest submission is intended to provide the court with the complete findings of the investigation and all supporting documents gathered during the probe.
The court will now examine the report and decide the further course of proceedings in accordance with the law.
Senior SIT officials present in court
Several senior officials of the Special Investigation Team were present during the submission of the report.
These included SIT Superintendent of Police C A Simon, inspectors Kusumadhar and Manjunath, along with other members of the investigation team.
Their presence underscored the significance of the submission, which represents the culmination of the latest phase of the investigation.
Accused also appears before court
One of the accused, C N Chinnayya, also appeared before the Beltangady court in connection with the proceedings on Tuesday.
The submission of the final report does not determine guilt or innocence. The court will examine the report, the evidence placed on record and the applicable legal provisions before deciding on the next steps in the case.
With the filing of the 7,005-page final report, the investigation has reached an important procedural milestone. The matter will now proceed through the judicial process, with the court expected to consider the findings and determine the future course of the proceedings.