The Dharmasthala "mass burial" case continues to unfold with twists and turns as investigations proceed. C N Chinnayya, also known as Chenna, the initial complainant who claimed to be a whistleblower in the alleged case of mass rapes and murders in the Dharmasthala region of Karnataka, has been arrested for providing false information under oath.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is widening its investigation, adding charges against Chinnayya related to perjury, forgery, and fabrication of evidence. These charges stem from a skull that Chinnayya presented as evidence. He had claimed to have buried 70–80 bodies at multiple locations while working as a sanitation worker with the Dharmasthala temple administration. He alleged that these burials, including those of women and minors, were ordered by temple authorities and that some bodies showed signs of sexual assault.

The SIT is currently undertaking a spot inspection (mahazar) with Chinnayya, visiting locations connected to his statements. This comes after he was taken into custody for allegedly misleading investigators with false information. He is also reported to have been escorted to Bengaluru, where he allegedly obtained the human skull. Documents were also reportedly seized during the investigation. Due to security concerns, the exact locations visited and details of the documents seized have not been disclosed.

Another complainant, Sujata Bhat, who alleged that her daughter Ananya disappeared from the Dharmasthala temple premises in 2003, was questioned by the SIT for three consecutive days. Sources indicate that Bhat expressed a desire to withdraw her complaint during interrogation. Even if Bhat withdraws her complaint, the SIT is likely to continue its investigation due to the severity of the allegations and the fact that the matter has already entered the judicial process.

The case has sparked political debate and public attention. The BJP has protested against targeting the Dharmasthala temple. Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has warned of action if the complaint proves false. Veerendra Heggade, the Dharmadhikari of the temple, has welcomed the constitution of the SIT.

The SIT's investigation includes inquiries into recovered human remains, missing persons cases, and other Unnatural Death Reports (UDRs). An interim report from the SIT is expected in the coming weeks.