Bengaluru / Mangaluru – The Special Investigation Team (SIT), probing the Dharmasthala mass burial allegations, has made significant headway in its investigation over the past two days:
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Search Operations & Mahazars in Bengaluru
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On August 31, 2025, the SIT brought the complainant—known as “mask-man” Chinnaiah—to Bengaluru to conduct coordinated search operations and mahazars at several locations tied to the case, including the residence of activist T. Jayanth in Peenya. SIT officials collected CCTV footage, booking records, and questioned administrative staff during these investigations. (Sources: Deccan Herald, www.ndtv.com, The New Indian Express)
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These searches are part of a broader effort to trace the complainant’s interactions and validate his narrative in court and his statements to the SIT.
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Evidence Seized & Documentation Recorded
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Authorities seized critical materials, including digital records, bank documents, and other correspondence linked to Chinnaiah’s account. The actions aim to map out a timeline of events and corroborate testimonies with tangible leads. (Sources: www.ndtv.com)
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New Site Petitions Reviewed
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On September 1, 2025, the SIT accepted petitions submitted by Tukaram Gowda and Purandara, who claim additional burial sites were discussed by the complainant. The SIT agreed to examine these claims as part of their ongoing excavation efforts. (Source: The Times of India)
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Summary Table: SIT’s Latest Actions
| Date | Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 31, 2025 | Mahazars at activist-linked sites in Bengaluru | To verify complainant’s claims and trace networks |
| Aug 31, 2025 – Sept 1, 2025 | Seizure of documents and records | To corroborate statements with evidence |
| Sept 1, 2025 | Acceptance of new site petitions | To explore additional potential burial locations |
Political & Media Context
While the SIT pursues these investigative steps methodically, political developments and media narratives are actively steering public attention elsewhere:
- BJP has launched the “Dharmasthala Chalo” rally and demanded a formal probe by central agencies (NIA/CBI), suggesting deep conspiracies without new SIT findings. (Source: The New Indian Express, MillenniumPost)
- Chief Minister Siddaramaiah dismissed these rallies as politically motivated, stating that they distract from the SIT’s work. He disputed why such protests weren’t organized before the SIT’s formation. (Source: The Times of India, The Week)
- Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao similarly condemned the BJP’s rally plan, declaring it a "political gimmick" exploiting religious sentiment. (Source: News Karnataka)
In summary: The SIT continues its investigation through searches, evidence collection, and evaluating new site leads. Meanwhile, political actors and parts of the media are emphasizing rallies and central probe demands, diverting attention from the ongoing forensic and legal processes.
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