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Karnataka, India: One of India’s most revered spiritual sites, the Dharmasthala Temple, is now at the center of an unfolding storm following deeply disturbing revelations. A former sanitation worker, once employed under the temple administration, has come forward with allegations that span nearly two decades claiming he was forced to dispose of hundreds of bodies, many of them women and girls showing signs of sexual assault, from 1998 to 2014.
What was once whispered in shadows has now burst into public view, shaking public trust in religious institutions and prompting urgent calls for justice.
Mass Graves and Dark Secrets: The Worker’s Shocking Account
The whistleblower, whose identity is being withheld for security reasons, has filed a sworn police complaint asserting that he was compelled by superiors to bury or cremate over 100 bodies most allegedly victims of sexual violence in concealed areas around Dharmasthala. The bodies, he claims, were often mutilated, unclothed, or burned with chemicals to destroy evidence.
In an emotional testimony before a local court, the man handed over what he says are exhumed skeletal remains, alongside photographic documentation of burial sites. He described nights spent digging graves along riverbanks and remote forested areas, always under the watchful eyes of those he calls “influential people.”
Driven by guilt and fear, he returned after a decade of silence to reveal what he calls “a systematic pattern of buried truths.” He is now under witness protection, and an official First Information Report (FIR) has been registered based on his complaint.
Old Wounds Reopened: The Link to Missing Women Cases
His revelations have reopened painful chapters in Karnataka’s criminal history. Among them is the disappearance of medical student Ananya Bhat in 2003, and the 2012 rape and murder of 17-year-old Sowjanya, both tied to the Dharmasthala region. Families of victims, long frustrated by alleged police inaction and evidence suppression, believe these new allegations may finally bring long-denied justice.
Human rights lawyers and activists suggest this case could expose systemic failures, not only within temple administration but across local governance and law enforcement.
Public Outrage and Government Response: Is Justice Being Delayed?
The whistleblower’s courage has ignited widespread public anger and serious concern about how authorities initially handled the case. Despite the gruesome claims and submitted evidence, early police action appeared more focused on conducting narco-analysis tests on the whistleblower, rather than securing and excavating the alleged grave sites.
Many saw this as an attempt to discredit the witness before fully investigating his claims.
Public protests have since surged across Karnataka, with hashtags like #JusticeForSowjanya and #DigDharmasthalaGraves trending on Indian social media. Responding to the growing outcry, the state government has finally announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT). However, many are demanding a central-level probe by agencies like the CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) or NIA (National Investigation Agency) to ensure impartiality.
A Crisis of Faith and Accountability
At the heart of this growing crisis lies an uncomfortable question: How could such atrocities, if proven true, go unnoticed for years under the watch of one of India’s most respected religious trusts?
Dharmasthala Temple, overseen by the influential Heggade family and known for its charitable works, has yet to issue a detailed response beyond stating it welcomes a “fair and transparent investigation.” As of now, no individuals from the temple board have been named in the FIR.
Activists insist this case must become a turning point not only for justice, but for reform in how religious institutions, police forces, and judicial systems protect the vulnerable and respond to whistleblowers.
The Road Ahead: Will the Truth Be Unearthed?
For the families of those who vanished, and for a whistleblower who says he carried these secrets for too long, the road to justice is only beginning. With mounting pressure, forensic teams are expected to begin site inspections soon. DNA analysis of the recovered remains could confirm whether they match any known missing persons or reveal even more untold tragedies.
The stakes are high, not just for Karnataka, but for the nation’s conscience.
Legal Disclaimer
The information presented in this article is based on an ongoing investigation and the allegations made by a private individual. At this stage, no person or institution has been found guilty of any criminal wrongdoing. All accused individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not imply guilt or liability.
