The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is set to seek an extension of custody for complainant Chinnaiah, popularly known as the masked man, whose custody ends on Wednesday. Officials plan to request 10 additional days to continue their probe into the Dharmasthala case.
The SIT has already conducted searches and mahazar proceedings across Dharmasthala, Ujire, Belthangady, and Bengaluru, and now plans to take the accused to Mandya in Karnataka, Salem in Tamil Nadu, and Delhi.
Investigators are also preparing to question activists Mahesh Shetty Thimarodi, Girish Mattennavar, T. Jayanth, and YouTuber Sameer, all of whom raised allegations against temple authorities. Another complainant, Sujatha Bhat, who initially alleged that her daughter had gone missing under suspicious circumstances before retracting her statement, is also being interrogated.
Chinnaiah was arrested for allegedly providing false information, including claims of mass burials of women and girls in Dharmasthala. His statements led authorities to excavate 17 sites, where he even submitted a skull as supposed evidence. However, SIT officials say his confessions indicate he was misled by others into making the allegations.
The investigation now awaits crucial Forensic Science Laboratory and DNA test results from the sand and samples collected at the excavation sites.
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SIT to seek 10 more days custody of complainant as probe expands to other states

SIT Seeks Extended Custody in Dharmasthala Case

SIT to seek 10 more days custody of complainant as probe expands to other states

September 3, 2025 | 16:14 IST