Dharmasthala, Dakshina Kannada | July 17, 2025
In a disturbing complaint that has shaken the tranquil temple town of *Dharmasthala, an ex‑sanitation worker has made horrifying claims to local police. He alleges that between **1995 and 2014, he was ordered to secretly dispose of **dozens of bodies, including women and children, often showing signs of violence or sexual assault. The allegations now demand urgent investigation by a *special SIT (Special Investigation Team), as local human rights and women’s groups join calls for accountability.
Gruesome Allegations That Demand Answers
- The man says he joined Dharmasthala temple as a sanitation worker in 1995 and was abruptly ordered to transport bodies near the Netravati River and bury them in nearby forests.
- What he thought were accident victims soon revealed fatal wounds, disfigurement, and acid attack signs—raising serious concerns.
- Several bodies were allegedly missing clothes, or showed neck slitting and burn injuries, suggesting murder or heinous crimes.
- One victim described was a 12–15-year-old girl in a school uniform, reportedly sexually assaulted and buried in a forest near Netravati.
- The worker claims he was bullied, threatened, and beaten by temple supervisors and said “those who disobey would be killed, or their families harmed.”
- In December 2014, a sexual assault on his own daughter’s foster sister prompted him to flee for safety—but the fear persisted.
Steps Taken and Current Status
Upon his recent return to Dharmasthala, the former worker lodged a detailed complaint with police, accompanied by photos of exhumed bodies. He offered to guide officials to burial sites to retrieve remains and perform proper rites—seeking closure for the deceased and forgiveness for himself.
Police have filed a case with court approval based on his statement and are preparing to set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT). Rights groups support the demand for impartial inquiry, aiming to uncover any hidden crimes and identify responsible individuals.
Why This Matter Cannot Be Ignored
Dharmasthala is respected across Karnataka as both a *devotional and cultural landmark, managed historically by the influential *Hegde family. These allegations involve high trust, sacred duties, and possible concealment of criminal acts.
Local human rights and women’s advocacy groups have urged authorities to treat the matter sensitively, bring transparency, and guarantee protection for the whistleblower and his family.
Key Highlights at a Glance
- Alleged secret burial of bodies (women, children) in forests from 1995–2014
- Claims include violence, sexual assault, acid injuries, and throat slitting
- Worker rescued after threats—now demands justice and rites
- Complaint filed; police case registered with court approval
- Special SIT proposed; rights groups urging full transparency