CN Chinnayya alias Chenna, who claimed mass rapes and murders in Dharmasthala, has been arrested for perjury after the SIT found his claims false. Previously called the 'masked man,' he lost witness protection following the investigation.

In a related development, Sujata Bhat retracted her claim that her daughter went missing, saying Ananya never existed and her statement was made under duress.

The case began in July when Chenna brought a skull to police, alleging involvement in mass burials.

Tensions escalated as political parties traded accusations, with the BJP claiming the Congress was tarnishing Dharmasthala’s reputation, while Congress dismissed the allegations as a strategic political move. Deputy CM DK Shivakumar emphasized that the SIT probe is impartial and urged against politicizing religion.