Karnataka’s famed pilgrimage site, Dharmasthala, is under intense scrutiny following shocking allegations in a mass murder and funeral controversy case. A former sanitation worker, serving as a key witness, told media that temple authorities had instructed him to bury bodies over a period of nearly two decades. He claimed senior temple officials were directly involved in overseeing these burials.
The witness alleged that between 1995 and 2014, hundreds of bodies—including women and minors—were buried along the Netravati River and nearby forested areas. He also cited evidence of sexual assault and murder among the victims and stated that he and his family had been threatened to carry out these instructions.
DHARMASTHALA CASE: ಕಳೇಬರ ಸಿಕ್ಕಿಲ್ಲ ಅಂದ್ರೆ ನಾನೇನು ಮಾಡೋಕೆ ಆಗುತ್ತೆ? ಮಾಸ್ಕ್ಮ್ಯಾನ್ ಹೇಳಿಕೆ
https://t.co/3cgNOWuiV4#dharmasthala #DharmasthalaCase #dharmasthalamassburial #maskman #dharmasthalacasetwist #navasamajanews #KannadaNews
— navasamaja (@navasamajanews) August 14, 2025
The Karnataka government has set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the allegations. Excavations at sites pointed out by the whistleblower have already uncovered human remains, corroborating parts of his testimony.
Meanwhile, Dharmasthala temple trustee Veerendra Hegde and his family obtained interim injunctions from the Bangalore Civil Court, preventing publication or broadcast of news that could harm their reputation. The move has drawn criticism from media outlets and human rights activists, who called it an infringement on press freedom and an attempt to suppress vital information.
The case has sparked nationwide concern, with citizens demanding a transparent investigation and accountability. Devotees expressed shock and dismay over the alleged atrocities at one of India’s most revered pilgrimage centers.
Speaking to the media regarding the Dharmasthala case, DK Shivakumar said that a big conspiracy is going on.
Sir @DKShivakumar ,, You are the Deputy Chief Minister of the state,,, Those who have hatched this conspiracy should be found and given appropriate punishment. pic.twitter.com/OaIX6YhIxl
— 🇮🇳 Madhukumar.V.P🇮🇳 (@MadhukumarVP1) August 14, 2025