SIT Searches Activist’s Home Amid Dharmasthala Controversy

Mangaluru (Karnataka), Aug 26 (PTI) The Special Investigation Team (SIT), probing the alleged disappearance and burial of bodies in Dharmasthala, conducted a search operation at the residence of activist Mahesh Shetty Thimarody in Ujire on Tuesday.

Thimarody is presently out on bail after his earlier arrest for allegedly making derogatory remarks against BJP's national general secretary (Organisation), B L Santhosh.

During the search, SIT officials were accompanied by the accused, C N Chinnaiah.

According to SIT sources, Thimarody had provided shelter to Chinnaiah at his residence for the past two months. Armed with a search warrant from the Belthangady court, the SIT was focused on collecting information and evidence from the activist’s property.

Officials stated that evidence gathering continues as an integral part of the broader investigation.

The controversy escalated following Chinnaiah's arrest on charges of perjury. He has alleged burying a number of bodies, including those of women showing signs of sexual assault, in Dharmasthala over time, with implications pointing to the local temple administrators.

The BJP has protested against what it sees as unjust targeting of the temple. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has issued a warning of action should the complaint prove to be unfounded.

Veerendra Heggade, the Dharmadhikari or custodian of the temple, has also expressed support for the constitution of the SIT.

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