Dharmasthala case takes fresh turn as ‘Mask Man’ Chinnayya alleges threat after jail release

Mangaluru: The Dharmasthala mass burial case has taken a fresh turn, with “Mask Man” Chinnayya making new allegations immediately after his release from jail.

Chinnayya, who was lodged in the Shivamogga prison for nearly four months in connection with the case, approached the police soon after walking out on bail and lodged a complaint claiming threat to his life and that of his wife.

According to police sources, Chinnayya appeared before the Dharmasthala police station and alleged that certain activists who have been vocal in the Dharmasthala case posed a serious threat to his safety.

In his complaint, he specifically named five individuals — Mahesh Shetty Timarodi, Girish Mattanavar, Vithal Gowda, Jayanth, and Sameer M.D. — accusing them of issuing threats and creating fear for his life.

Chinnayya had secured bail on November 24 after the court granted him conditional release, imposing a bond of ₹1 lakh, two sureties, and as many as 12 stringent conditions. However, despite the bail order, his release was delayed as no one initially came forward to stand surety for him.

After completing the formalities, Chinnayya was finally released from prison earlier this week. Soon after his release, the self-styled whistleblower, popularly known as “Mask Man,” approached the police seeking protection.

In his complaint, he claimed that the activists named by him could potentially harm him and his wife, and urged the police to provide security to prevent any untoward incident.

Based on the complaint, Dharmasthala police advised Chinnayya to submit a formal petition at the Belthangady police station, as the alleged threats fall under its jurisdiction. Accordingly, a complaint was registered at the Belthangady police station, and the police have initiated an inquiry into the matter.

Police officials confirmed that the complaint has been taken on record and that preliminary verification is underway. They stated that appropriate action would be taken after assessing the nature of the allegations and verifying the claims made by Chinnayya.

The latest development adds another layer of complexity to the already controversial Dharmasthala mass burial case, which has witnessed sharp confrontations between activists, investigators, and individuals linked to the probe. With fresh complaints and counter-allegations emerging, the case continues to draw public attention across the coastal region of Karnataka.

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