Dharmasthala murders: ‘Mask Man’ Chinnaiah remanded to judicial custody for 14 days

September 6, 2025

Mangaluru: A court in Karnataka’s Mangaluru district on Saturday remanded Chinnaiah, popularly known as the “Mask Man,” to 14 days of judicial custody. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) produced him before the court earlier in the day.

Security Concerns Prompt Shift to Shivamogga Prison

Authorities confirmed that Chinnaiah would be moved to Shivamogga district prison for safety and security reasons. The SIT has also indicated that they may seek his custody again if required during the investigation.

From Whistleblower to Accused

On July 11, Chinnaiah alleged that he was forced to bury victims of rape and murder in Dharmasthala and even produced a skull as evidence. However, he was later arrested for allegedly misleading the SIT. Forensic and DNA results from 17 excavated sites are still awaited.

SIT Widens Investigation Net

The SIT is probing the origin of the skull presented by Chinnaiah and is questioning activists Girish Mattennavar, T. Jayanth, YouTuber Sameer, and complainant Sujatha Bhat, who retracted her earlier statement. Notices have also been issued to Mahesh Shetty Thimarodi and Kerala YouTuber Manaf.

Political and Social Fallout

The case has triggered political tensions, with BJP, JD(S), and Congress leaders holding rallies in support of Dharmasthala temple authorities. Progressive women activists have written to Sonia Gandhi for intervention, while religious seers have approached Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking an NIA probe.