SIT Summons Activists In Dharmasthala Mass Burial Probe Amid Escalating Scrutiny
The case originated in August 2025 when Chinnaiah, a former sanitation worker at the temple from 1995 to 2014, filed a complaint alleging the secret burial of over 200 unidentified bodies on temple premises between 2002 and 2014
Mangaluru: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Dharmasthala secret burial case has issued notices to activists directing them to appear before investigators for questioning on October 27.
According to sources, the notice has been issued to Jayant T, Mahesh Shetty Timarodi, Girish Mattannavar, and Vittal Gowda.
The notice, issued under Section 35(3) of the BNSS-2023, pertains to Crime No. 211/2025 registered at the Dharmasthala Police Station on July 4, 2025.
Chief Investigating Officer Jitendra Kumar Dayama in his notice, stated that the presence was essential for verifying facts and circumstances connected to the case. Accordingly, they have been directed to appear before the SIT office in Belthangady at 10.30 am on October 27, 2025.
The notice also lays down a set of strict instructions for the recipients, warning them against influencing witnesses, tampering with evidence, or engaging in any unlawful activities.
The individuals have been instructed to fully cooperate with the investigation, furnish any documents or materials required, and assist in the identification or apprehension of other accused persons.
Chinnaiah, 45, a former sanitation worker who had alleged secret burials in Dharmasthala was arrested for perjury and is now lodged in Shivamogga prison under judicial custody.
Chinnaiah had alleged that during his stint as a sanitation worker in Dharmasthala between 1995 and 2014, he was forced to dispose of bodies of murder and sexual assault victims. He filed a case on July 3. He even produced skeletal remains before a magistrate on July 11, claiming they belonged to a woman. Forensic tests, however, later established that the remains were male, leading to his arrest on charges of perjury.
The SIT, constituted by the state government in the wake of his allegations, carried out excavations at 17 sites in and around Dharmasthala. Human remains were found only at two locations—Spot No. 6 and on the ground, beneath a tree near Spot No. 11.
The enquiry has gained importance as the four activists — Timarodi, Mattannavar, Jayant, and Vittala Gowda — are believed to have maintained close association with Chinnaiah.
According to sources, Chinnaiah was allegedly given shelter at the houses of Timarodi and Jayant on different occasions. It is also said that Vittala Gowda was instrumental in providing the skull to Chinnaiah, while Chinnaiah had shown the locations where he allegedly buried the bodies to Mattannavar before approaching the police.
