Archive · 19 Dec 2025
Whistleblower Seeks Protection After Dharmasthala Case Bail
Chinnaiah, who worked as a sanitation worker, made serious allegations about the disposal of bodies in Dharmasthala.
He claimed that he was forced to dispose of bodies of murder and sexual assault victims.
However, forensic tests later showed that the remains he provided were not as he claimed, leading to his arrest.
Now, after being released on bail, he is seeking police protection because he fears for his life.
The police have been informed about the threats he is facing.
Chinnaiah, the whistleblower in the Dharmasthala case, has sought police protection after being released on bail, fearing threats to his life.
He alleges that he and his wife are facing serious threats from Mahesh Shetty Thimarody, Girish Mattannavar, Vittal Gowda, Jayanth, Sameer MD, and their associates.
Chinnaiah initially claimed that he was forced to dispose of bodies of murder and sexual assault victims while working as a sanitation worker in Dharmasthala between 1995 and 2014.
Forensic tests later revealed that the remains he provided were male, leading to his arrest for perjury and other charges.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) submitted a 3,900-page report naming Chinnaiah and several activists in the case.
- Who
- Chinnaiah, a whistleblower in the Dharmasthala case, and alleged threats from Mahesh Shetty Thimarody, Girish Mattannavar, Vittal Gowda, Jayanth, Sameer MD, and associates
- What
- Chinnaiah is seeking police protection after being released on bail, fearing threats to his life
- When
- Chinnaiah filed a complaint on December 18, 2023, and was released on bail after being arrested on August 23, 2023
- Where
- Dharmasthala, Karnataka, India
- Why
- Chinnaiah alleges that he and his wife are facing serious threats to their lives from a group of individuals
- Whistleblower
- Chinnaiah
- Alleged Threats
- Mahesh Shetty Thimarody, Girish Mattannavar, Vittal Gowda, Jayanth, Sameer MD, and associates
- Initial Complaint
- July 3, 2023
- SIT Report Submission
- November 2023
- Arrest Date
- August 23, 2023
- Bail Conditions
- Personal bond of Rs 1 lakh with two sureties
- Externment Order
- Against Mahesh Shetty Thimarody