Daijiworld Media Network - Beltangady

Beltangady, Aug 25: In a sensational twist to the much-publicised “Dharmasthala skull” case that attracted national and international attention, SIT investigations have revealed that the so-called skull presented as evidence was in fact a fake.

According to SIT sources, the skull handed over by witness-turned-accused Chinnayya C N (earlier referred to as “anonymous”) had actually been procured by his gang from a medical research centre. Experts informed investigators that the skull was nearly 40 years old and had been coated with varnish to preserve it for long use.

This revelation came to light after the skull was produced before the Beltangady court on July 11. The SIT has since confirmed that the “evidence” was fabricated.

Earlier, Chinnayya had claimed before the court, in the presence of his lawyer, that the skull was recovered from a mass burial site in Dharmasthala where he alleged hundreds of bodies were buried. His testimony had triggered a nationwide uproar, leading to a series of SIT-led searches at 17 different locations in Dharmasthala.

Delhi connection emerges

Investigations have now revealed that the gang even took the skull to Delhi, where it was shown to an influential individual while narrating their version of the Dharmasthala “mass grave” story. The SIT considers this a major lead in uncovering the conspiracy.

Chinnayya spills more details under questioning

After his arrest on Saturday, SIT subjected Chinnayya to intensive interrogation on Sunday. Officials said he has revealed several more names—from those who sheltered him to those involved in planning the conspiracy. All statements have been video recorded, and SIT is preparing to issue notices to those identified. He also underwent a medical examination on Sunday.

Case against Mahesh Shetty Timrodi

Meanwhile, Beltangady police have issued a notice to Mahesh Shetty Timrodi in connection with obstructing police duty while he was being brought to Brahmavar police station on Thursday. Reports suggest that Timrodi, Girish Mattannavar, Jayanth T and over 16 others have been named in this connection.

Chinnayya’s missing mobile

Investigators have also focused on Chinnayya’s missing mobile phone. He had claimed he no longer had it, but SIT suspects his team may have taken it away before he appeared in court on July 11 with the skull. Since then, he had only been allowed to communicate with his lawyer and was reportedly sheltered in Timrodi. Acting on his lawyer Dhananjay’s advice, he even gave interviews to certain media houses, which SIT now suspects was part of a larger conspiracy.

Sujaata Bhat under SIT radar

SIT has also issued summons to Sujaata Bhat, who earlier gained attention in the Ananya Bhat missing case. Sources indicate investigators are compiling her personal history from 1985 to 2025, covering her stays in Udupi, Bengaluru, Shivamogga and Surathkal, her marital life, and her claims in 2003 about Ananya’s disappearance.

Chinnayya pleads for jail custody

Sources said a rattled Chinnayya has requested the SIT to send him to jail, claiming his life is under threat from the very gang that supplied him the fake skull. He has also confessed to having suffered mental harassment from the group. With investigations still underway, officials anticipate more explosive revelations in the coming days.

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