Major Twist in Dharmasthala Mass Burial Case: Complainant Arrested by SIT

The whistleblower’s rape and murder claims are now deemed fabricated after Special Investigation Team questioning.

The Dharmasthala mass burial case took a dramatic turn as the Special Investigation Team (SIT) arrested the primary complainant—also known as the “masked man”—for allegedly making false and fabricated claims of mass burials, rapes, and murders.

Key Developments

Identity & Background
The arrested individual, a former sanitation worker, had accused temple authorities of mass burials and sexual assaults spanning decades.
SIT Interrogation Findings
After hours of questioning, officials found the claims to be false and lacking any evidence, leading to his arrest.
Motivation Behind False Claims
During interrogation, he reportedly admitted that a family property dispute led him to create the false narrative.
Legal Proceedings
He is expected to be produced before the Beltangady court today, August 23, 2025.

Background of the Case

Initial Allegations
In July 2025, the complainant claimed to have buried over 100 bodies of women and minors, alleging they were victims of sexual assault and murder between 1995 and 2014.
Sites Investigated
The SIT examined 13 sites.
- One site revealed partial skeletal remains.
- Another revealed skulls and bone fragments.
- Several sites turned up no evidence.
Political Reactions
Political leaders from multiple parties condemned the false claims, calling the case a conspiracy aimed at defaming a religious institution.
Other Developments
A YouTuber is also under investigation for circulating AI-generated misinformation connected to the case.

Next Steps

SIT will file charges and proceed with the investigation.
Forensic analysis may continue on recovered remains.
Political and public reactions await the final SIT report.

The arrest of the complainant marks a significant turning point in the Dharmasthala mass burial case, raising serious concerns about misinformation and its impact on public trust and religious institutions. As the investigation continues, all eyes are now on the SIT’s final report and the legal proceedings that will follow.