The controversial Dharmasthala mass burial case has taken a dramatic new turn after one of the key accused, Chinna C.N. alias Chinnayya, approached the Karnataka High Court alleging that a massive ₹200 crore conspiracy was orchestrated to tarnish the reputation of the Dharmasthala temple administration and its authorities, as reported in Asianet Kannada News.
In a writ petition filed through senior advocate Vivek Subba Reddy, Chinnayya sought a comprehensive investigation into the alleged conspiracy and questioned the manner in which the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has handled the case.
Taking cognisance of the petition, Justice Suraj Govindaraj of the Karnataka High Court’s single-judge bench issued notices to the State Government and the SIT. The court also directed the SIT to furnish details regarding the current status of the investigation and adjourned the matter to June 29.
“The Real Conspirators Are Free, I Alone Became The Scapegoat”
In his petition, Chinnayya alleged that he was being unfairly targeted while those who allegedly orchestrated the conspiracy remained untouched.
He claimed that he was drawn into the case against his will and that despite the involvement of several influential individuals, he alone had been imprisoned.
According to the petition, Chinnayya stated that he belonged to a Scheduled Caste community and questioned why he was the only person facing the consequences while the alleged masterminds continued to remain free.
Questions Raised Over SIT Investigation
Chinnayya also questioned the functioning of the SIT and alleged that there had been significant delays in the investigation.
Referring to FIR No. 39/2025, he claimed that despite considerable time having elapsed since the investigation commenced, the SIT had not filed its final report.
He further alleged that although the names of the actual accused were reportedly mentioned in preliminary findings, no meaningful action had been taken against them.
Allegation Of ₹200 Crore Budget Behind Conspiracy
One of the most explosive claims in the petition is the allegation that a ₹200 crore fund was allegedly earmarked to spread false allegations against Dharmasthala.
Chinnayya claimed that Mahesh Shetty Timarodi had allegedly offered him ₹50 lakh to participate in the conspiracy.
He further alleged that funds for the operation were routed from Kerala and that an individual identified as Rama Nagaraj from Chitradurga had also contributed money.
According to the petition, Chinnayya submitted details of bank transfers made to his wife’s account as well as information regarding cash transactions to support his claims before the court.
Actor Prakash Raj’s Name Mentioned In Petition
The petition has generated considerable attention because it names several prominent individuals, including actor Prakash Raj.
According to Chinnayya’s petition, actor Prakash Raj allegedly spoke to him in Tamil and encouraged him to give a statement as instructed by Girish Mattennavar.
The petition alleges that Prakash Raj told him, “Give the statement as instructed by Girish Mattennavar. I will come and hug you on the 29th.”
Apart from Prakash Raj, the petition names Mahesh Shetty Timarodi, Girish Mattennavar, Vitthalagowda and Jayanth as the principal architects of the alleged conspiracy.
YouTubers Allegedly Prepared Videos In Advance
Chinnayya also alleged that YouTubers Sameer M.D. and Ajay Anchan had recorded between 30 and 35 videos in advance to suit their narrative.
According to the petition, he was later required to show SIT officials only those locations that had already been identified and filmed by the YouTubers.
Claims Of Threats, Coercion And Captivity
The petition contains several serious allegations regarding coercion and intimidation.
Chinnayya claimed that he was unwilling to make false statements against the Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari and that his conscience did not permit him to do so.
He alleged that when he refused to cooperate, Mahesh Shetty Timarodi threatened him with a knife.
According to the petition, he and his family were threatened with violence, including threats to kill his wife if he did not follow instructions.
He further alleged that members of the group warned him that if he gave a false statement and later deviated from it, he would be buried at the very location involved in the case.
Chinnayya claimed that a skull was placed in his hands and photographs were taken. He further alleged that he was taken to Delhi along with a woman identified as Sujatha Bhat, where signatures were obtained from him on multiple documents.
He also alleged that he was made to sit in a lawyer’s office and trained on how to deliver statements.
According to the petition, he was effectively held captive and monitored throughout the process.
In one particularly startling allegation, Chinnayya claimed that headphones were concealed behind the mask he was wearing and that he received continuous instructions through them regarding what he should say.
He further told the court that the psychological pressure became so severe that he allegedly attempted suicide at one point.
Demand For Action Against All Alleged Conspirators
In his petition, Chinnayya urged the court to ensure that action is taken not merely against him but against all individuals allegedly involved in planning and executing the conspiracy.
He argued that if legal action was warranted, it should extend to every person allegedly connected to the operation rather than targeting a single individual.
With the High Court now issuing notices to the State Government and the SIT, attention has turned to the next hearing scheduled for June 29, when the SIT is expected to present details regarding the status of its investigation into the high-profile Dharmasthala skull case.
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