The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the sensational Dharmasthala “mass burial” allegations has arrested the complainant, who had claimed that multiple murders and rapes took place over two decades on the temple premises. Officials confirmed that the complainant, identified as C N Chinnaiah, a former sanitation worker at the Dharmasthala Manjunatha Swamy Temple, was taken into custody on Saturday for perjury after investigators found serious inconsistencies in his statements and documents.
Chinnaiah, who had earlier appeared before the inquiry panel wearing a mask, underwent a medical check-up before being produced before Judicial First Class Magistrate Vijayendra. The SIT sought 10 days’ custody to pursue further investigation, which the court granted.
The arrest comes a day after Sujata Bhat admitted on television that she had filed a false missing person complaint under pressure, claiming her daughter had disappeared in Dharmasthala in 2003. She later confessed she had no daughter named Ananya Bhat and alleged she acted due to a property dispute.
So far, the SIT has dug up 17 sites based on Chinnaiah’s claims, but human remains were reportedly recovered from only two. Several of his former colleagues also gave contradictory statements during questioning.
Supporters of Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari D Veerendra Hegde have alleged that the accusations were part of a larger conspiracy to malign him and the temple trust. Hegde himself dismissed the allegations as “baseless” and an attack on Hindu religious institutions.
Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar reiterated that the government is committed to justice. “The investigation is ongoing, and action will be taken against anyone found guilty. The temple family has welcomed the probe,” he said, adding that the BJP was trying to politicise the issue. The BJP, meanwhile, demanded an interim report and strict action against the complainant, calling the episode a “toolkit to denigrate Hindu places of worship.”
In a related development, the SIT has issued a notice to YouTuber M D Sameer, who faces criminal charges over videos linked to the case. Sameer, who recently secured anticipatory bail, has been asked to appear before investigators on August 24. Police allege his content spread misinformation and provoked public mischief, while Sameer maintains that he only raises issues ignored by mainstream media.
The SIT continues to examine both the original claims and the role of online misinformation as part of its wider probe.
