Dharmasthala case: Chinnayya released from jail 24 days after bail

Mangalore Today News Network

Shivamogga, December 18, 2025: Chinnayya, who was initially the complainant and later named as a prime accused in the Dharmasthala burude case, was released from the Shivamogga Central Prison on Wednesday.

He was freed from the Sogane prison following an order issued by the Belthangady court. Chinnayya had been lodged in the Kaveri barrack of the prison.

After his release, he was received by his wife, Mallika, while his counsel was also present.

The Mangaluru district sessions court had granted him bail on November 24, subject to 12 conditions, including execution of a bond of Rs 1 lakh and submission of two sureties. His release was delayed as no one initially came forward to stand surety.

Later, his wife approached the court through her lawyer seeking relaxation of the conditions and permission for his release. After the bond and two sureties were furnished and all formalities were completed, she travelled to Shivamogga on Wednesday evening.

Chinnayya was the original complainant in the burude case. However, during the SIT investigation, an alleged conspiracy behind the case came to light. He later gave a confession to the SIT detailing the conspiracy and was arrested on August 23. He was shifted to the Shivamogga jail on September 6.