What’s the Latest on the Dharmasthala Case Involving a Kerala YouTuber and the Skull Mystery?

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What’s the Latest on the Dharmasthala Case Involving a Kerala YouTuber and the Skull Mystery?

Synopsis

Explore the unfolding story of the Dharmasthala murders case, where a Kerala YouTuber has been summoned by the SIT over a mysterious skull. This investigation is intertwined with allegations of serious crimes, raising pivotal questions about justice and accountability.

Key Takeaways

  • SIT's active investigation into serious allegations.
  • YouTuber Manaf's summons for questioning about the skull.
  • Chinnaiah's role as a key complainant in the case.
  • Political implications of the investigation are significant.
  • Public discourse surrounding justice and accountability is heightened.

Mangaluru (Karnataka), Sep 5 (NationPress) In the ongoing political landscape regarding the alleged Dharmasthala murders case, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has intensified its investigation. The SIT has summoned YouTuber Manaf from Kerala for questioning about the skull previously introduced by the complainant, known as “mask man” Chinnaiah.

This summoning of Manaf carries weight, as he, a lorry owner and YouTuber, had posted a video showcasing the skull, asserting that numerous similar skulls could be uncovered in the Dharmasthala area.

The video was shared on July 11, coinciding with Chinnaiah's court appearance when his statement was recorded, according to police sources.

As per the law enforcement officials, the skull presented as evidence by the complainant is allegedly linked to accusations that numerous women and girls were raped, murdered, and interred. It was reportedly unearthed from the Banglagudda region of Dharmasthala, near a tree where a saree was discovered. During the retrieval of the skull, a sword was utilized to lift it before it was placed in a bag, and the entire process was captured on video.

Authorities suspect that Manaf uploaded this video to his YouTube channel on July 11, the same day Chinnaiah appeared in court.

The investigation team has also obtained images of Manaf visiting the home of activist Mahesh Shetty Timarody, who has openly contested the temple authorities.

Manaf has posted a series of videos regarding Dharmasthala, and the police notice served to him indicates that he likely holds further information related to the case. He has been requested to present his electronic devices and pertinent documents to the investigators.

Previously, Manaf’s truck was discovered submerged in the Karwar district of Karnataka. Both the vehicle and the body of his truck driver, Arjun, were later recovered. He will now face inquiries regarding how he acquired the July 11 skull video prior to the commencement of the official investigation.

There are suspicions that activist Jayanth may have been in contact with Manaf.

Additionally, another activist, Girish Mattennanavar, who has been actively protesting against temple authorities, has also appeared before SIT officials in Belthangady.

Currently, activist Jayanth is detained at the SIT police station, while the inquiries concerning YouTuber Abhisheik are ongoing. Abhisheik has been interrogated for three consecutive days and is being held at the SIT station due to security apprehensions, as stated by police.

In related updates, the complainant “mask man” Chinnaiah was taken to the Belthangady taluk hospital for a medical check-up. His SIT custody is set to conclude on Saturday, with the court ordering his production on September 6.

SIT Chief Pronab Mohanty also visited the SIT office amidst these developments. The court is anticipated to remand Chinnaiah to judicial custody.

In another incident, Karnataka police have lodged an FIR against YouTuber Vasanth Giliyar, who has been advocating for the temple authorities in the Dharmasthala case. The FIR was filed at the Vijayanagara Police Station in Mysuru following a complaint from K. V. Stanley of the Odanady Trust.

Stanley alleged that Vasanth Giliyar, by labeling him as a Christian, has been disseminating false information about him. “Vasanth Giliyar is incorrectly asserting that I stated the Dharmasthala pilgrimage center should be destroyed like a wild boar. He is inciting communal animosity and endangering my personal safety,” Stanley noted in his complaint.

The FIR has been registered under Sections 196(1)A and 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.

It is worth noting that complainant Stanley had previously voiced opposition against the Murugha Mutt seer in Chitradurga, Karnataka, who is currently facing rape charges under the POCSO Act.

Point of View

It is essential to approach the Dharmasthala case with a commitment to unbiased reporting. The ongoing investigation by the SIT highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in addressing serious allegations. Our focus remains on delivering factual information while emphasizing the need for due process in the pursuit of justice.
NationPress
30/10/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Dharmasthala case about?
The Dharmasthala case revolves around allegations of multiple murders and serious crimes linked to a YouTuber's video of a skull, which has raised significant public interest.
Who is Manaf, and why has he been summoned?
Manaf is a Kerala-based YouTuber who uploaded a video of a skull related to the case. The SIT believes he possesses relevant information and has summoned him for questioning.
What role does Chinnaiah play in this case?
Chinnaiah, referred to as the 'mask man,' is the complainant in the case who presented the skull as evidence and has been central to the investigation.
What are the implications of this case?
The case highlights serious allegations of crime, leading to political developments and public discourse about justice and accountability within the community.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The SIT is actively investigating the case, having summoned key individuals, including YouTubers, and is expected to continue its inquiries amid ongoing legal developments.
Nation Press