Karnataka SIT Probes Shocking Allegations of Mass Graves and Sexual Abuse
Explosive allegations of mass burials and sexual abuse in Karnataka’s Dharmasthala temple town have triggered a state SIT probe. A whistleblower claims decades of crimes and cover-ups from 1998 to 2014.
Dharmasthala, Karnataka —
In what is being described as one of the most disturbing revelations in recent years, the tranquil temple town of Dharmasthala has become the center of a major investigation involving allegations of mass burials, sexual violence, and long-standing cover-ups.
The controversy erupted after a former sanitation worker came forward with harrowing claims. According to his testimony, he was coerced into burying and cremating the bodies of women and minors between 1998 and 2014—many of whom, he alleges, bore visible signs of assault and abuse.
Skeletal Remains Presented in Court
The whistleblower didn’t just make claims—he provided tangible evidence. Skeletal remains were reportedly handed over to the authorities and later presented in court, strengthening the gravity of the case. Following this, a First Information Report (FIR) was filed, prompting widespread outrage across Karnataka and beyond.
Government Responds: SIT Formed
Reacting to the serious nature of the allegations and mounting public pressure, the Karnataka government constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter thoroughly. The SIT is expected to dig deep into the alleged incidents, investigate possible complicity of local authorities, and unearth any systemic attempts at cover-up.
Decades of Silence?
The time frame of the alleged crimes—a span of over 16 years—has raised alarming questions about how such acts could go unnoticed in a town as prominent and closely monitored as Dharmasthala, which houses one of Karnataka’s most famous pilgrimage sites: the Sri Manjunatha Swamy Temple. It is visited by millions each year, revered not just for religious significance but also for its charitable activities.
Public Outrage and Demands for Justice
As the SIT begins its probe, human rights activists, legal experts, and concerned citizens are demanding complete transparency, legal action against perpetrators, and support for the whistleblower. Many have also pointed out the urgent need for stronger whistleblower protection laws in India, especially in cases involving alleged institutional crimes.
Wider Implications
This case could have broader implications for temple governance, custodial accountability, and the role of local bodies in safeguarding human rights. If the allegations are proven true, it may expose institutional failures spanning multiple administrations and agencies.
What Happens Next?
The SIT’s findings will be critical in determining the truth behind these chilling allegations. Until then, Dharmasthala remains in the national spotlight—not for its spiritual heritage, but for a potential decades-long horror story that demands justice.
Leave a Reply