Dharmasthala Masked Man CN Chinnayya Arrested After SIT Exposes False Claims

The sensational Dharmasthala case, which has gripped public attention for the past two months, has taken a dramatic turn. The anonymous complainant who first triggered the probe has now been arrested by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) after protection granted to him under Witness Protection Scheme was withdrawn.

On Saturday, August 23, SIT officers arrested the complainant, identified as C.N. Chinnayya, widely known as the Dharmasthala 'Masked Man' or Bheema from Mandya district. After undergoing a medical examination in the morning, he was produced before the Belthangady Additional Civil JMFC Court, which remanded him to SIT custody for 10 days.

According to reports, he has been arrested on charges of perjury. During a voluntary statement given under oath before the Belthangady magistrate on July 11, the complainant had produced a skull and a few bones, claiming they belonged to a woman who had been sexually assaulted.

The arrest followed a round of questioning on Friday, August 22, when the SIT interrogated Chinnayya along with officers who had earlier conducted post-mortems on unidentified bodies.

Chinnayya had been placed under the Witness Protection Act. During this period, he was frequently seen covering his face in public appearances, which earned him the nickname 'Masked Man'. However, after the SIT presented crucial evidence that contradicted his testimony, his protection was revoked and he was subsequently arrested.

From 1995 to 2014, Chinnayya had previously alleged that he worked as a sanitation worker in Dharmasthala. He had claimed that he buried the bodies of women and children who were sexually assaulted and murdered. Based on his testimony, the SIT conducted searches at 17 locations he pointed out, but skeletal remains were found in only one place.

As suspicions grew about the credibility of his statements, SIT chief DIG Pranab Mohanty led an intensive interrogation. The questioning proved that Chinnayya's allegations were false, leading to the withdrawal of his protection under the Witness Protection Act.

The interrogation, which lasted from 10:30 a.m. on Friday until late night, suggested that Chinnayya may have named several people. He had alleged that certain influential persons connected with the administration of the Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple pressured him to bury the bodies. However, the SIT concluded these accusations were malicious and fabricated.

Authorities now believe Chinnayya's arrest may cause further complications for others linked to the case.

From Protected Witness to Accused

Initially considered a key witness in Dharmasthala 'mass burial', Chinnayya had claimed to possess inside knowledge of the alleged burials. But SIT investigators found his version inconsistent and misleading. Acting on its findings, the SIT submitted a formal request to the competent authority in Mangalore, leading to the withdrawal of his protection and his immediate arrest.

He now faces charges of fabricating allegations and misleading investigators, marking a dramatic shift from witness to accused in the high-profile case.

Key Evidence Against Chinnayya

The SIT's submission included substantial proof that undermined his statements. Investigators concluded that his testimony was designed to derail the probe, rather than support it. His arrest has been described as a "pivotal moment" that could bring new clarity to the case.

Other Legal Developments

Meanwhile, in a related matter, Girish Mattannavar appeared at Beltangady police station after being booked for obstructing police duties during an arrest operation at Mahesh Shetty Thimarodi. An FIR was filed against him, and he has since been questioned.

The dramatic arrest of the 'Dharmasthala Masked Man' has gripped public attention.