The Special Investigation Team (SIT) which is probing the sensational alleged mass burials in Dharmasthala has taken the key complainant of the case into custody after he was earlier under witness protection.
The accused has been identified as CN Chinnayya, a resident of Chikkabelli in Karnataka’s Mandya district—popularly known as the “Mask Man” for covering his face while filing the original complaint.
Under witness protection, Chinnayya was interrogated throughout Wednesday before being presented before a magistrate.
During questioning, he reportedly named several individuals and handed over skeletal remains he had earlier presented as evidence. Investigators are now working to corroborate his claims.
The SIT has also seized his educational certificates, confirming inconsistencies in official records. While one document lists his date of birth as June 19, 1980, school records show it as June 16, 1980, with admission to Class 2 in 1986 at the Government Higher Primary School, Mandya.
Confirming the arrest, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara stated, “It’s true he has been arrested. He is in police custody. Since it’s under investigation, we can’t give any information. SIT will give details. Till SIT makes its investigation public, we can’t divulge much or conclude anything.”
Another Complainant Retracts Explosive Allegations
In a dramatic turn, Sujatha Bhat—another key complainant who had claimed that her daughter went missing in Dharmasthala in 2003—has publicly withdrawn her allegations. In a statement made to a YouTube channel, Bhat admitted that her story was fabricated.
“There was never any daughter named Ananya Bhat,” she said, revealing that she was misled by activists Girish Mattannavar and T. Jayanti into making false claims. According to Bhat, the fictitious story was concocted due to a family land dispute involving the Dharmasthala temple administration.
She further clarified that the photograph used as proof of her daughter’s existence was fake. Denying any financial motive, Bhat added, “Nobody demanded money from me.” She expressed regret, stating, “To the people of Karnataka and the devotees of Dharmasthala, I sincerely apologise.”
Bhat has been summoned to appear before the SIT office in Belthangady.
No Human Remains Found at Alleged Sites
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, the SIT’s excavation at 17 locations identified by a sanitation worker has so far yielded no evidence of mass burials. As of July 30, five of the 13 primary sites had been dug up—none of which revealed human remains, particularly of any females, as originally claimed.
Activists and YouTuber Under Scrutiny
The SIT has widened its probe, serving a notice to YouTuber Sameer—accused of defamation—to appear for questioning at either the Dharmasthala or Belthangady police stations. Authorities have assured him of security after he requested protection.
Activist Girish Matdannanavar, named in Sujatha Bhat’s retraction, has already appeared before the Belthangady police following a notice issued against him. Police presence has been increased outside Bhat’s Banashankari residence in Bengaluru, with barricades and over a dozen officers deployed.
As the SIT continues its high-profile investigation, more revelations—and possible arrests—are expected in the coming days.
