Archive · 4 Dec 2025
Dharmasthala Whistle-Blower Chinnaiah Remains in Prison
Chinnaiah, a former sanitation worker, made big claims about secret burials in Dharmasthala.
He said he had to dispose of bodies of murder and sexual-assault victims.
But when he showed some bones, tests showed they were not what he said.
He was arrested for lying in court.
The court said he could go free on bail, but he couldn't get the money needed for bail.
Now, he is still in prison.
The police dug up many places but found very few bones.
Chinnaiah later said he made the claims because he was pressured.
Many people who supported him before are now silent.
Chinnaiah, a former sanitation worker, alleged secret burials in Dharmasthala, sparking statewide controversy.
He was arrested on August 23 for perjury and additional BNS sections after forensic tests contradicted his claims.
The court granted him bail on November 24, but he remains in prison due to inability to furnish the required surety.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) conducted excavations at 17 locations, finding human remains at only two sites.
Chinnaiah later admitted to making false claims under pressure and recorded a revised statement.
- Who
- Chinnaiah, a former sanitation worker in Dharmasthala
- What
- Chinnaiah remains in prison despite being granted bail for perjury charges related to his allegations of secret burials
- When
- Bail granted on November 24, arrest on August 23
- Where
- Shivamogga prison, Dharmasthala, Karnataka
- Why
- Chinnaiah allegedly made false claims about secret burials and could not furnish the required surety for bail
- Name
- Chinnaiah
- Arrest Date
- August 23
- Bail Grant Date
- November 24
- Bail Amount
- Rs 1 lakh
- Charges
- Perjury, BNS sections
- SIT Head
- Pronab Mohanty
- Excavation Locations
- 17
- Human Remains Found
- 2