What are the Shocking Revelations in the Dharmasthala Murders Case?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The complainant has disclosed connections with activists.
- A trip to Delhi revealed more shocking allegations.
- The SIT is actively pursuing new evidence.
- Calls for a higher judiciary's oversight of the investigation are growing.
- Community allegations against involved activists are complicating matters.
Bengaluru, Aug 30 (NationPress) In a significant development regarding the alleged Dharmasthala murders case, the complainant, Chinnaiah, has uncovered his associations with activists and shared insights about a trip to Delhi prior to making shocking accusations of rape and the killing of numerous women and girls in the temple city located in Karnataka's Mangaluru district, sources confirmed on Saturday.
In light of these disclosures, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) transported the complainant to Bengaluru and executed searches and 'mahazar' (on-site investigation) procedures at the domicile of T. Jayanth, a prominent activist opposing the temple administration.
After extensive hours of examination and mahazar activities, the SIT personnel escorted the complainant -- known as the 'mask man' -- to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) office.
On Sunday, he will be taken to the residence of another activist, Girish Mattennanavar, followed by a trip to Salem in Tamil Nadu, sources indicated.
Post-search operations, activist T. Jayanth informed the media that the mask man approached him with a skull roughly a year and a half ago.
He stated that he provided the mask man food and shelter in his residence with the sole intention of pursuing justice.
Jayanth also mentioned that he traveled to Delhi with Girish Mattennanavar (another activist), Sujatha Bhat (another complainant), and the mask man in a rented vehicle to meet specific individuals.
During the trip, they reportedly encountered a renowned religious seer.
"If this is deemed a crime, let the authorities penalize me. I am prepared. I have not received any notice from the SIT as of yet," he stated.
Meanwhile, some neighbors have alleged that Jayanth was involved in drug trafficking in Bengaluru.
They asserted that despite contacting the police, no action was taken.
In response, Jayanth refuted all claims, stating that one neighbor -- who was evicted from the building -- is making false allegations out of personal spite.
He expressed his readiness to face any investigation.
Sources further indicated that the SIT is now concentrating on the initial skull the complainant presented.
The team is actively questioning the complainant and waiting for the DNA and soil analysis report from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL).
Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara has remarked that it is unfeasible to request the SIT to deliver its report on the alleged Dharmasthala murder case within a defined timeframe.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Parameshwara stated, "We have only requested the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to accelerate the investigation into the alleged Dharmasthala murders. It is not possible to compel them to submit a report within a specified timeframe."
He added that the current trajectory of the investigation remains uncertain.
"If the investigation concludes swiftly, the report will be submitted accordingly. Otherwise, the SIT will continue to investigate the case until they reach a resolution," he asserted.
In a noteworthy event on July 11, the unidentified complainant -- who claimed he was coerced into burying the bodies of women and girls who were raped and murdered in Dharmasthala -- appeared before a court in the Mangaluru district and provided his testimony.
He requested the bodies to be exhumed in his presence and alleged that the victims showed clear signs of sexual assault.
As per his account, the bodies were discovered without clothing or undergarments and exhibited injuries consistent with violent sexual abuse.
These revelations have caused a stir across Karnataka.
In the aftermath of the claims, a retired Supreme Court judge alongside several activists have called for a Supreme Court or High Court-monitored SIT investigation into the alleged Dharmasthala murders, which may encompass the deaths of numerous women, girls, and destitute men.
Furthermore, the whistleblower reportedly submitted a skull -- purportedly extracted from one of the burial sites -- to the SIT.
He was granted protection under the Witness Protection Act and extended amenities.
Police sources indicated that the protection under the Act provided to the mask man has been revoked.
In light of the serious accusations made by the mask man, authorities excavated 17 locations within the temple town of Dharmasthala.