Ex-Worker Arrested Over Grave Allegations at Karnataka’s Dharmasthala Temple
KARNATAKA — Indian authorities have arrested a former employee of the Dharmasthala temple after he alleged shocking crimes, including mass rapes, murders, and secret burials at the centuries-old shrine.
The man, who claimed to have worked at the temple between 1995 and 2014, told a magistrate earlier this year that he had been forced to bury hundreds of women and minors. In his testimony, he even produced a human skull, which he said was recovered from one of the alleged burial grounds.
However, forensic analysis later contradicted his claims. Investigators confirmed that the skull and bone fragments found at two of the 17 search sites belonged to a male who likely died by suicide. The other sites yielded no human remains.
Temple administrator and Rajya Sabha member Veerendra Heggade welcomed the investigation and assured full cooperation, calling the accusations “baseless” while expressing confidence in the judicial process.
The case has stirred political tensions in Karnataka. Opposition leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have criticized the probe, accusing the authorities of targeting the Hindu majority community. They have also demanded that the case be transferred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
State Home Minister G. Parameshwara urged patience, stating the government’s priority was to uncover the truth. “If we find nothing, Dharmasthala will only become stronger. If we find something, we will ensure justice is done,” he said.
Legal experts believe further arrests could follow if evidence of a wider conspiracy emerges.
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