Unsettling Allegations Surface
A former sanitation worker from Dharmasthala—a revered pilgrimage town in Karnataka—has shaken the community with a startling confession. Filed on July 3, 2025, he alleges that during his service (1995–2014), he was coerced by temple authorities to bury (and in some cases, burn) the remains of over 100 bodies, many of whom were women and girls who had been raped and murdered .
He has presented skeletal remains to the Belthangady court, exhumed from clandestine graves, now in police custody for forensic analysis.
Timeline & Key Facts
- Alleged period of concealment: 1995 to 2014 .
- Accusations include: forced burial or burning of dozens of bodies, especially sexual assault victims .
- Estimates ranged: over 100 bodies; rumors suggest up to 400–462 in decade-long tallies.
- Came forward under: Witness Protection Act of India, 2018 .
- Police action so far: FIR filed under BNS section 211(a), court permission requested to fully exhume suspected graves.
Panchayat and Police Respond
The Dharmasthala Gram Panchayat, led by vice president Shrinivas Rao, firmly denies any wrongdoing. They emphasize:
- Transparent records of unclaimed bodies dating back to the 1980s.
- A structured process—police-issued UDR, seven-day claim period, followed by official burial with audit documentation.
- Assertion that any secret, undocumented burials would violate law and record-keeping norms .
Forensic Investigation Underway
Skeletal remains submitted by the whistleblower are being examined by forensic teams, with court authorization pending to open additional gravesites . The Home Minister and police indicate they await the complainant’s full formal statement before criminal inquiry can progress .
Historical & Cultural Context
Dharmasthala dates back 800 years, known for its unique syncretism: a Hindu Shiva temple managed by a Jain family (the Heggades) and Vaishnavite priests—symbolizing communal harmony. It also leads major social welfare initiatives—education, annadana, healthcare—earning national acclaim. But past incidents, including the high-profile unsolved Sowjanya rape-murder (2012), have led to suspicions of systemic cover-ups .
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Community Reactions & Public Trust
Online discussions reveal deep distrust among locals. Reddit users report hundreds of mysterious deaths tied to Dharmasthala over decades:
“460 unnatural deaths in Belthangady Taluk during 2000–2012 … no justice.”
Another wrote:
“They are using extortion, blackmail, harassment and even rape and murder to get what they want.”
Such claims—though unverified—underscore the urgency of transparent, credible investigation.
What Comes Next?
| Action | Status |
|---|---|
| Complainant’s in‑court statement | Recorded July 11, 2025 |
| Forensic exhumations | Awaiting court approval |
| Police investigation | FIR filed; Home Minister urges formal complaint |
| Panchayat records audit | Available; may be cross-checked with new evidence |
Why It Matters
This case raises national concerns about:
- Misuse of authority in religious institutions
- Cover-up of violent crimes, especially sexual violence
- Failures in police and legal accountability, especially for vulnerable victims.
A comprehensive investigation will determine whether Dharmasthala can maintain its reputation as a sanctuary of charity and trust, or if it becomes emblematic of religious impunity.
Who Made the Allegation?
- A former sanitation worker who served in Dharmasthala from 1995 to 2014.
- He claims he was forced to bury or burn over 100 bodies, allegedly victims of sexual assault and murder.
- He submitted skeletal remains to the Belthangady court and police under oath, and his statement is on official record.
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Who Might Be Held Responsible?
As of now, these are the entities under public and media scrutiny:
- Temple Management – The temple and its social service arms are run by the Heggade family, especially D. Veerendra Heggade, a powerful religious and social figure. However, he has not been accused or named in any FIR.
- Local Police & Administration – Critics and citizens question why:
- Missing person cases weren’t investigated thoroughly.
- Unclaimed bodies were allegedly disposed of in large numbers without transparency.
- Gram Panchayat Officials – The Dharmasthala Gram Panchayat claims all burial records are intact, and proper police protocols were followed. They deny knowledge of unauthorized burials.
Legal & Investigation Status
- FIR registered under BNS 211(a) after the complaint.
- Forensic analysis of skeletal remains is ongoing.
- Police await full court-authorized excavation and further witness testimonies.
Key Point:
No names have been formally charged or arrested yet.
Investigation is ongoing, and responsibility will depend on forensic proof, record audits, and witness cross-examination.