Whistleblower held

DHARMASTHALA 'MASS BURIALS'

- AGENCIES

The complainant, who had alleged multiple murders, rapes, and burials in Dharmasthala in Karnataka over the past two decades, was arrested Saturday by the SIT probing the charges, officials said.

The whistleblower, who had so far appeared before the probe panel wearing a mask, has been identified as CN Chinnaiah, they said.

After a medical examination, he was produced before Judicial First Class Magistrate Vijayendra in Belthangady and the SIT sought 10 days' custody for further investigation.

The court granted the request, officials added. The SIT, led by senior IPS officer Pronab Mohanty, had questioned Chinnaiah late into Friday night. Officials said the arrest followed inconsistencies found in his statements and documents.