Mangaluru: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the controversial Dharmasthala skull case has extracted a explosive confession from the central figure, “Maskman” Chinnayya, revealing a meticulously orchestrated conspiracy involving financial inducements, training, and a high-level Delhi connection. Chinnayya, under intense 10-day custodial interrogation, has admitted to being recruited by an “anti-Dharmasthala gang” while in Tamil Nadu last December, offered significant money, and trained specifically to mislead investigators and create a sensational narrative targeting the revered temple.
In a startling revelation, Chinnayya confessed that the skull he presented as evidence was not initially shown to Dharmasthala authorities. Instead, the conspiracy gang, including key figures like YouTuber Sameer, Shariff, Abdulla, ex sub inspector Girish Mattannavar, and Mahesh Shetty Timarodi, took Chinnayya and the skull to Delhi first. There, they met “prestigious persons,” showcased the skull, narrated their fabricated story, and allegedly struck a “mega deal.” This Delhi detour, occurring before the Dharmasthala presentation, suggests a broader conspiracy aimed at discrediting the temple beyond Karnataka’s borders.
Lured, trained, and funded
Chinnayya detailed how the gang lured him with promises of money. “They offered me Rs 5 lakh initially and promised another Rs 5 lakh later,” he stated. He was brought to Bangalore for initial training, where he was coached on how to respond to police questioning. “They taught me exactly what to say if the police asked anything,” Chinnayya admitted. He then played the role dictated by the “directors” (Sutradhars), feeding misinformation to investigators and the media as part of the plot. His false information led the SIT on a wild goose chase, digging at 17 different locations based on his misleading clues before the truth emerged.
Shelter and denials
Jayanth T, a prominent figure named by Chinnayya, confirmed a crucial link: “Maskman Chinnayya staying at Mahesh Timarodis house is true,” he stated to the media. However, he vehemently denied any involvement in the conspiracy or the skull case itself. “Providing shelter to Chinnayya doesn’t automatically make us guilty. His case is separate; our fight is for truth to come out,” he claimed, distancing himself and his associates like Girish Mattannavar from the core conspiracy. He insisted their involvement was limited to supporting the “truth” regarding the Sujatha Bhat case, which he labeled “completely false,” and denied any personal gain.
The SIT has significantly expanded its investigation beyond the skull’s origin. Belthangady police are now scrutinizing the financial records of YouTuber Sameer, focusing on his YouTube monetization (AdSense) income, bank transfers, and any third-party sponsorships or paid promotions. Investigators are seeking to determine if the sensational videos created around the Dharmasthala and Sujatha Bhat cases were primarily driven by financial motives, potentially involving the dissemination of false information for higher viewership and revenue. “We are collecting records to see if false information was spread for higher income,” an official confirmed.
Investigation spans over various states
The SIT’s reach has extended far beyond Dharmasthala. Teams have conducted intensive searches in Mandya district and traveled to Chikkarsipalli in Tamil Nadu, questioning the complainant’s family, friends, and relatives. The complainant, a former garment factory worker who moved to Ujire about two years ago as a sanitary worker, was residing in the Dharmasthala area during the events. His statements, along with those from his second wife and children, are considered crucial. Simultaneously, the SIT is investigating the backgrounds and roles of all named accused, including Mattannavar and Shetty, who face increasing pressure.
The controversy has sparked significant public anger in Belthangady taluk. The Belthangady Taluk Nagarika Hitarakshana Samiti, representing hundreds of citizens, has filed an official complaint with the SIT and the Tahsildar. They accuse certain individuals and groups of using the SIT investigation as a pretext to run a sustained smear campaign against the Dharmasthala temple and its Dharmadhikari. “This is not just an attack on an institution; it’s an attack on the religious sentiments of millions of devotees,” the Samiti stated, warning that such false propaganda is creating social unrest and damaging the region’s reputation. They demanded immediate legal action against those responsible for defaming the temple.
