In a surprising development in the Dharmasthala skull case, Chinnayya, also known as the “mask man,” previously involved in the mass grave issue, has asserted that he was manipulated to tarnish Dharmasthala, a renowned Hindu pilgrimage site in Karnataka. Following these claims, authorities are considering action against activists leading the campaign against the temple management, as per police sources. Chinnayya disclosed being informed about a purported 200 crore rupees allocated to incriminate Dharmadhikari Veerendra Heggade and implicated actor Prakash Raj in the scheme, promising him 50 lakh rupees if successful.
Chinnayya lodged a writ petition at the Karnataka High Court, alleging his exploitation in a broader plan to defame Dharmasthala and urging the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conclude its inquiry and prosecute the alleged perpetrators. He named activist Mahesh Shetty Timarodi, Girish Mattannavar, Vitthal Gowda, Jayant, and YouTubers Sameer M.D., Ajay, and Dinesh, accusing them of orchestrating a smear campaign against Dharmasthala, with actor Prakash Raj also mentioned in the petition. Chinnayya’s petition detailed how he was directed to identify excavation sites at Banglegudda to misuse government funds, with promises of financial rewards for implicating Veerendra Heggade.
The High Court bench, led by Justice Suraj Govindaraj, issued notices to various authorities, including the Home Department, Mangaluru’s Superintendent of Police, the SIT, and the Dharmasthala Police Station’s Station House Officer, instructing them to provide an investigation update by June 29. Chinnayya’s petition further alleged coercion by the accused individuals to point out specific locations to the SIT, under threats to his family’s safety. Despite his cooperation, no human remains were discovered at the designated sites, as per Chinnayya’s claims.
