Dharmasthala Mystery: BJP, Congress Clash Over Probe

A heated political battle has erupted in Karnataka over allegations of mass burials in Dharmasthala, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accusing the Congress-led state government of allowing “false propaganda” to tarnish the revered temple town’s image, while Congress counters that the BJP is exploiting the issue for political gain. The controversy, centered on claims by a former sanitation worker, has escalated tensions, with both parties trading barbs over the ongoing Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe.

In July 2025, a whistleblower, identified only as a former sanitation worker employed in Dharmasthala from 1995 to 2014, alleged he was coerced into burying and cremating bodies of women and minors, many reportedly victims of assault, sparking outrage. Following public and political pressure, the Siddaramaiah government formed an SIT on July 19, led by senior officer Pranab Mohanty, to investigate. However, the probe has yielded limited evidence, with excavations at 17 sites uncovering skeletal remains at only two locations, both believed to be male, according to The Hindu. A woman, Sujatha Bhat, who claimed her daughter Ananya went missing in 2003, later retracted her statement, admitting it was fabricated under activist influence, further complicating the case.

BJP Karnataka President B.Y. Vijayendra, accused the Congress government of prolonging the investigation to defame Dharmasthala, a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site. “We welcomed the SIT, but it must be fast-tracked. Crores of devotees are upset with the false propaganda on social media,” he said, criticizing the government’s swift action against Hindu activists posting online compared to its inaction on temple-related rumors. Vijayendra also seized on Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s claim of a “big conspiracy,” demanding a probe into the complainant’s backers.

Also Read: Dharmasthala Mystery: Karnataka BJP Chief Demands Clarity on SIT Probe

Congress, in response, accused the BJP of playing a “double game.” Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao told NDTV, “The BJP welcomed the SIT initially but now seeks political mileage by exploiting religious sentiments. The investigation is professional, and we’ve issued no provocative statements.” Rao denied any conspiracy, asserting that the SIT is exploring all angles, including potential action against those spreading misinformation. Shivakumar, addressing media in Bengaluru, called the BJP’s “Dharmasthala Chalo” rally a “political tour,” not a genuine defense of faith, as per The Federal.

The BJP’s protests, including a week-long “Dharma Yudh” Yatra announced on August 22, aim to rally devotees against alleged conspirators, with leaders like R. Ashoka labeling the SIT a Congress-orchestrated attack on Sanatan Dharma. Meanwhile, the lack of substantial evidence—despite digging 17 sites—has fueled BJP claims of a smear campaign, with some alleging involvement of “urban Naxals” and Congress MP Sasikanth Senthil, a former Dakshina Kannada official. The Congress government, in damage-control mode, insists it supports Dharmasthala’s sanctity and will act against false claims, as stated by Home Minister G. Parameshwara.

Local residents and activists had demanded swift action, but the arrest of the complainant has shifted the narrative, leaving many questioning the validity of the original claims. The SIT has urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information as the investigation progresses.

Also Read: Karnataka CM Backs Mekedatu Project, Seeks Tamil Nadu’s Nod!