Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Refutes Allegations, Backs SIT Probe

Veerendra Heggade, Dharmadhikari of the Dharmasthala Manjunatha Swamy Temple, has categorically denied allegations of criminal activities taking place in the temple premises. In a recent interview, Heggade lamented that accusations of multiple murders, rapes, and secret burials are baseless and motivated by a campaign to malign the temple's reputation.

The Karnataka government has responded by forming a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to thoroughly investigate these claims. Excavations have been conducted to seek evidence of human remains, with Heggade welcoming this step to bring clarity to a case that has stirred public protests, especially concerning the 2012 murder of teenager Soujanya.

Heggade emphasized the transparent management of the Dharmasthala trust, noting that all properties belong to the trust and not his family. Countering allegations of property misuse and improper management, Heggade insisted that the trust operates with full disclosure. He further refuted notions of political undertones in the controversy and expressed confidence in the SIT's impartial investigation to unveil the truth.

(With inputs from agencies.)