The Dharmasthala mass burial case has taken a dramatic turn with the Belthangadi court ordering 10-day SIT custody for CN Chinnayya, alias Chenna, the former sanitation worker who initially emerged as a whistleblower. Following an intensive interrogation on the night of August 22, 2025, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) arrested Chinnayya on August 23, 2025, after concluding that his claims were fabricated.Arrested “Anonymous Man” Paid ₹2 Lakh by someone to Spread Lies About Dharmasthala Exposed: Photo Released
After a medical examination, he was produced before the court, which granted the SIT’s request for custody to probe deeper into an alleged conspiracy against Dharmasthala.Chinnayya, who claimed to have buried hundreds of bodies, including those of women and minors, between 1995 and 2014, is now accused of being part of a plot to defame the sacred temple town. The SIT’s findings suggest that Chinnayya was brought from Tamil Nadu to propagate false allegations, with financial backing from certain individuals.
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During interrogation, he reportedly admitted to being coerced into making false claims and revealed the involvement of activist Girish Mattannavar, who allegedly facilitated his arrival in Dharmasthala to further the narrative. Additionally, social activist Mahesh Shetty Thimarodi has been arrested in connection with the case, facing charges related to defamatory statements against BJP leader B.L. Santosh.Explosive revelations from the SIT investigation indicate a connection between Chinnayya and Mahesh Thimarodi, with the latter allegedly providing shelter and support to Chinnayya.
According to Chinnayya’s statements, a group from Tamil Nadu offered financial incentives to orchestrate a campaign against Dharmasthala. He received initial training in Bengaluru to carry out his role as directed by the masterminds behind the conspiracy. The SIT believes that Chinnayya’s custody is critical to uncovering the key figures orchestrating this plot, as multiple individuals are suspected to be involved.Home Minister Confirms Arrest in Dharmasthala Case, Says Investigation Continues!
The case, which initially gained traction due to Chinnayya’s claims of coerced burials, has been marred by inconsistencies. Forensic tests revealed that the skull he presented as evidence belonged to a male, contradicting his claims of burying female victims. Excavations at 17 sites identified by Chinnayya yielded minimal remains, further casting doubt on his allegations.
The SIT’s ongoing probe aims to unravel the full extent of the conspiracy, including the roles of other activists and potential external funding sources.As the investigation progresses, authorities anticipate that further interrogations will expose additional details about the network behind the false narrative.Anonymus Witness in Dharmasthala Case Arrested; D.K. Shivakumar Comments on the Development!
The Dharmasthala case has sparked widespread debate, with political and social ramifications, as it challenges the credibility of initial claims and highlights the dangers of misinformation. The SIT’s rigorous approach underscores the need to establish the truth and hold accountable those involved in the alleged plot against Dharmasthala’s reputation.