In a shocking incident that has agitated the religious town of Dharmasthala in Karnataka, police have detained a former temple cleaner who alleged he buried hundreds of bodies of women who had been raped and murdered. The man's claims raised alarm in a community that hosts a prominent temple of Manjunatha Swamy, drawing thousands of devotees daily. Following the public uproar, state authorities established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to delve into the serious allegations.
The unnamed individual claimed to have worked at the temple between 1995 and 2014, asserting he was forced to bury the victims under duress. Presenting specifics of several claimed incidents, including references to minors, he described returning to speak publicly to ease his conscience after years of silence. However, he has remained cloaked in anonymity to avoid repercussions.
As his allegations intensified the political discourse in the state, the government appointed an SIT, which has been exploring various locations he identified as burial sites. Some excavations yielded human remains, including a skull and bone fragments, which have been sent for forensic analysis to ascertain their origins.
Meanwhile, temple officials, including chief administrator Veerendra Heggade, have firmly denied the accusations, labeling them as unfounded. While the debate over the allegations unfolded in state assembly discussions, the Home Minister emphasized the need for an impartial pursuit of truth, whether it affirms or refutes the claims made.
The case's developments underscore the intersection of sensitive issues including violence against women, religious sentiment, and political scrutiny in one of India's revered spiritual centers. As the SIT continues its investigation, the community remains on edge, awaiting clarity on the disturbing claims that have emerged.
The unnamed individual claimed to have worked at the temple between 1995 and 2014, asserting he was forced to bury the victims under duress. Presenting specifics of several claimed incidents, including references to minors, he described returning to speak publicly to ease his conscience after years of silence. However, he has remained cloaked in anonymity to avoid repercussions.
As his allegations intensified the political discourse in the state, the government appointed an SIT, which has been exploring various locations he identified as burial sites. Some excavations yielded human remains, including a skull and bone fragments, which have been sent for forensic analysis to ascertain their origins.
Meanwhile, temple officials, including chief administrator Veerendra Heggade, have firmly denied the accusations, labeling them as unfounded. While the debate over the allegations unfolded in state assembly discussions, the Home Minister emphasized the need for an impartial pursuit of truth, whether it affirms or refutes the claims made.
The case's developments underscore the intersection of sensitive issues including violence against women, religious sentiment, and political scrutiny in one of India's revered spiritual centers. As the SIT continues its investigation, the community remains on edge, awaiting clarity on the disturbing claims that have emerged.
