Dharmasthala SIT now intensifies probe into suspicious UDRs, Bangle Gudde

Belthangady 

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) after submitting the complaint report before the court, has intensified its probe into suspicious Unnatural Death Reports (UDRs), missing cases and seven skeletal remains found in Bangle Gudde. 

The SIT submitted the complaint report in the Belthangady court under Section 215 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) on November 20, 2025. With this the SIT concluded investigation into accused C N Chinnayya’s two statements recorded under Section 183 of the BNSS, role of five Soujanya activists and complaint filed by Sujatha Bhat. 

The sources in the Home Department said the SIT is now focusing on other aspects that emerged during the course of investigation into the FIR (39/2025). During the preliminary probe in the UDRs, the SIT has found multiple cases which are of suspicious nature. This also includes deaths that occurred in guest houses run by Dharmasthala Temple Administration. It may take a long time for the investigation to solve these cases. 

The SIT has collected panchayat records on burials as part of the same investigation and found that for the 38 bodies buried in the village panchayat there are no corresponding UDRs. This part is also being probed. The SIT may summon many persons during the course of the investigation, the source informed. 

On the other hand, the SIT is also probing suspicious missing cases having links to Dharmasthala village. The SIT will also soon submit a status report on its investigation to Karnataka State Women Commission. 

The team is also now chasing the Bangle Gudde mystery and is hopeful of solving the same. The SIT during independent search after conducting Mahajar in connection to a skull produced as false evidence by accused Chinnayya, found seven skulls and hundreds of bones at this hillock.

The SIT has also found identification cards of U B Ayappa (70) of Madikeri and Adishesha Narayana of Tumkur at Bangle Gudde. While Adhishesha went missing in 2013, Ayappa disappeared seven years ago. The team will be looking into their mysterious disappearances and why ID cards were found in this spot. The team has also sent skeletal remains discovered at this hillock to forensic analysis