Mangaluru: A new FIR has been filed at the Belthangady Police Station in Dakshina Kannada district in connection with the Dharmasthala mass burial case, naming activists Girish Mattannavar, Mahesh Shetty Timarodi, and Hubballi-based rowdy-sheeter Madan Bugudi, among others. The FIR alleges that the group, referred to as the 'Burude Gang,' engaged in activities aimed at obstructing the investigation into allegations of mass burials in Dharmasthala.Hindu leader Suresh Gowda, who lodged a complaint with the Karnataka Human Rights Commission, accused Girish Mattannavar of falsely introducing Madan Bugudi as an official of the Human Rights Commission to the Dharmasthala police.read also: Big Shock for Motorists: Toll Fee Hike on Nelamangala-Hassan Route Effective from Midnight Today
This misrepresentation not only misled authorities but also tarnished the reputation of the Human Rights Commission, according to the complaint.Mattannavar is further accused of portraying Dharmasthala as an unsafe place for women, alleging atrocities against women during mass wedding ceremonies and making controversial claims that local auto drivers were involved in human trafficking. The FIR also targets Mahesh Shetty Timarodi, Girish Mattannavar, Jayanth T., and others in the 'Burude Gang,' accusing them of defaming the Dharmasthala temple and its administrators, including D. Veerendra Heggade and his family, through a smear campaign on social media.read also: China Provides Xi Jinping’s Favorite Car for Modi’s Visit!
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) in Belthangady has intensified its probe, issuing notices to Girish Mattannavar and Mahesh Shetty Timarodi. Timarodi was previously arrested on August 21, 2025, for using derogatory language against BJP National Organizing Secretary B.L. Santhosh. Now released, he has appeared before the police in connection with the SIT investigation.In another twist, the SIT arrested the complainant, C.N. Chinnayya (known as the 'Mask Man'), on allegations of receiving money from the 'Burude Gang' to provide false evidence. It is alleged that Jayanth T. sheltered Chinnayya at his residence and accompanied him to Delhi to present fabricated evidence to the Supreme Court.This FIR has sparked intense political debate, with opposition leaders alleging that the Congress government is conducting the investigation under pressure from the BJP. In response, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has accused the BJP of orchestrating a conspiracy to defame Dharmasthala.Van Heusen Women's Cotton Relaxed Fit Lounge T Shirt - Relax Fit, Round Neck, Short Sleeves