Archive · 26 Oct 2025
SIT Summons Activists in Dharmasthala Burial Case
A special investigation team (SIT) is looking into claims that a temple secretly buried many bodies.
They have summoned three activists, Mahesh Shetty Thimarody, T. Jayanth, and Girish Mattannavar, for questioning.
These activists are connected to a former sanitation worker named Chinnaiah and the Justice for Sowjanya campaign.
Chinnaiah claims over 200 bodies were buried.
Authorities are probing possible evidence tampering and perjury, including a human skull found to be from a medical research center.
The High Court and BJP leaders have also gotten involved, adding layers of complexity to the case.
SIT summoned three activists for questioning regarding Dharmasthala burial allegations.
The investigation is centered on claims of secret mass burials at the temple complex from 2002 to 2014.
Chinnaiah, a former sanitation worker, initially made the claims of mass burials.
The activists summoned are linked to the Justice for Sowjanya campaign tied to a 2012 murder case.
Evidence presented, including a human skull, originated from a medical facility, according to forensic tests.
- Who
- SIT, activists Mahesh Shetty Thimarody, T. Jayanth, Girish Mattannavar, Chinnaiah
- What
- SIT is investigating alleged mass burials at the Dharmasthala temple complex.
- When
- Summons were issued on Monday. The High Court issued notices on October 9.
- Where
- Dharmasthala, Karnataka
- Why
- To investigate claims of mass burials, alleged evidence fabrication, and perjury.
Accusers' Perspective
Authorities' Perspective
Evidence of Burial
Accusers' Perspective
Claims of mass burials and fabricated evidence are being investigated.
Authorities' Perspective
Investigation suggests claims might be false, with evidence originating from a medical facility.
Activists' Role
Accusers' Perspective
Activists supported the accuser's claims.
Authorities' Perspective
Authorities suspect activists' involvement in fabricating allegations and perjury.
- Lead Investigator
- Pronab Mohanty
- Accusation
- Mass burials at Dharmasthala temple
- Alleged Burial Period
- 2002-2014
- Activists Summoned
- Mahesh Shetty Thimarody, T. Jayanth, Girish Mattannavar
- Evidence
- Human skull from medical facility
- Involved Campaign
- Justice for Sowjanya
- Event
- Lakshadi Utsava in November
