In a dramatic turn in the sensational Dharmasthala case, the Belthangady court on Saturday ordered 10-day custody of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) for complainant-turned-accused CN Chinnaiah alias Chenna, who had earlier alleged that he buried hundreds of bodies in Dharmasthala. Following the court’s directive, SIT officials immediately took Chinnaiah into custody for further interrogation.
The SIT, which was formed to probe the explosive allegations, is expected to take Chinnaiah to multiple locations, including Dharmasthala, Ujire, and Belthangady, to conduct spot mahajaru (spot inspection and verification). Officials also indicated that he might be taken to the exact locations where he claimed to have disposed of several bodies.
Court grants custody after SIT’s plea
During the court proceedings, the SIT argued that Chinnaiah’s claims suggested the involvement of a wider network, necessitating a detailed investigation. They emphasised that custodial interrogation was critical to unravel the truth and identify others who may be connected to the alleged crimes. Accepting these arguments, the Belthangady court granted 10 days of custody to the SIT.
Sources confirmed that the SIT had arrested Chinnaiah on Saturday morning after hours of intense questioning. The masked man, who had previously approached the authorities with his sensational allegations, was later produced before the court and remanded to SIT custody.
Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwar, speaking to reporters in Udupi, confirmed the development, saying, “Yes, he has been arrested and is in SIT custody. The investigation is ongoing, and no further details can be shared at this point. The truth and the network behind the allegations will be exposed during the probe.”
Overnight interrogation by SIT chief
According to officials, SIT chief Dr. Pranav Mohanty, Director General of Police, Internal Security, personally interrogated Chinnaiah late into Friday night. After hours of questioning, investigators reportedly found inconsistencies between Chinnaiah’s statements and the supporting documents he had submitted. Following this, the decision to arrest him was taken.
Chinnaiah was subjected to a medical examination after the lengthy interrogation before being presented in court. Officials noted that his conflicting statements had raised suspicion about the authenticity of his claims.
Background of the case
Chinnaiah, a former sanitation worker, had made shocking allegations that he had secretly buried hundreds of dead bodies in Dharmasthala village while working under instructions. His complaint, filed through a lawyer, was addressed to the Dakshina Kannada Superintendent of Police earlier in July.
In his letter, he expressed guilt over having participated in the disposal of bodies and claimed that he was willing to reveal the details and locations, provided he and his family received legal protection. Following this, a case was registered at Dharmasthala Police Station on July 4, 2025, under Crime No. 39/2025, Section 211(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act.
The gravity of the complaint led the state government to constitute a Special Investigation Team under Dr. Mohanty, assisted by four IPS officers.
Excavations and discoveries
Based on Chinnaiah’s directions, the SIT carried out excavations at 13 identified sites around Netravati Snanaghatta in Dharmasthala. Using earthmovers and local labourers, officials dug up several areas where the complainant alleged bodies were buried.
So far, skeletal remains have been recovered from at least two sites. These remains have been sent for forensic analysis to determine their origin, timeline, and whether they are linked to any crime.
In a statement in the Karnataka Assembly earlier, Home Minister Parameshwar had clarified that while skeletal remains had indeed been recovered, the authenticity of Chinnaiah’s claims was still under verification. He also cautioned that if the allegations were found to be false or fabricated, Chinnaiah would face strict legal action.
Political and social ramifications
The case has sparked nationwide attention, given Dharmasthala’s status as a revered pilgrimage and cultural center in Karnataka. The allegations of clandestine mass burials have raised alarm, shock, and speculation across the state. Opposition parties have demanded transparency in the investigation, while ruling party leaders have urged restraint until conclusive evidence emerges.
For now, the focus remains on the SIT’s custodial interrogation of Chinnaiah. Over the next 10 days, the team is expected to cross-check his statements, revisit excavation sites, and track possible links to others allegedly involved in the case.
With the SIT intensifying its probe, clarity is expected to emerge in the coming days on whether the allegations signal a deep-rooted crime network or are part of a larger misleading narrative.
