
Tue Aug 26 06:47:14 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summarized news article based on the text, aiming for a neutral tone:
**Headline: SIT Searches Activist’s Residence in Dharmasthala Body Burial Probe**
**Mangaluru, August 26, 2025** – The Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating allegations of clandestine body burials in Dharmasthala conducted a search of the residence of activist Mahesh Shetty Thimarody in Ujire on Tuesday. The search, authorized by a warrant from the Belthangady court, was conducted with the assistance of accused C.N. Chinnaiah, who reportedly stayed at Thimarody’s residence for two months.
SIT officials stated that the search aimed to gather information and evidence related to the ongoing investigation. The probe was launched following claims by Chinnaiah, arrested on perjury charges, that numerous bodies, some bearing signs of sexual assault, were secretly buried in Dharmasthala. These claims have sparked significant controversy, with implications directed towards the administration of the renowned Dharmasthala temple.
The BJP has previously protested against what they perceived as targeting of the temple. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has cautioned against false accusations, while Dharmadhikari Veerendra Heggade welcomed the SIT investigation.
Thimarody is currently out on bail, having been arrested for allegedly making derogatory remarks against BJP’s national general secretary B.L. Santhosh.
The SIT is continuing its evidence collection as part of the broader investigation.