Dharmasthala skull case ; Court would announce decision on Saturday

Mangaluru: The controversial Dharmasthala skull case has taken a significant new turn with the Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala officially stepping into the legal fight against the alleged “skull gang”. After remaining silent amid sustained allegations and public debate, the temple management has now moved the court, signalling a decisive effort to counter what it describes as a conspiracy against the revered shrine.

The development comes at a crucial stage, as a court order was expected based on the Special Investigation Team (SIT) report submitted in the case. However, with Dharmasthala filing an application seeking to be impleaded as a party in the proceedings, the matter has acquired fresh legal and political significance. If the court admits the application, the order that was likely to be pronounced on Saturday (January 3) could be deferred.

Sources said the SIT has already submitted an extensive report running into nearly 4,000 pages before the Belthangady court. The report reportedly names six individuals, including the controversial ‘Mask Man’ Chinnayya, accusing them of hatching a conspiracy to malign Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala. It is based on these findings that the shrine has decided to directly participate in the legal process, asserting its right to defend itself against what it calls a deliberate attempt to tarnish its image.

Legal observers note that this is the first time the Dharmasthala administration has formally sought to intervene in the case, despite months of allegations and counter-allegations in the public domain. According to sources close to the temple, the decision to approach the court was taken after the SIT’s investigation allegedly confirmed that the accusations were part of an organised conspiracy.

Senior advocates C.V. Nagesh and Mahesh Kaje are set to represent Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala in court. Their entry is being seen as a strong legal signal that the temple is prepared to pursue the matter to its logical conclusion and ensure accountability for those accused of orchestrating the controversy.

With multiple applications now before the court, all eyes are on the Belthangady judiciary to see how it proceeds. The case, which has generated intense public interest and debate across Karnataka, is expected to see further twists as legal arguments unfold.

For now, the Dharmasthala skull case has clearly entered a decisive phase, with the shrine itself taking centre stage in what promises to be a closely watched courtroom battle.