For decades, Dharmasthala in Karnataka has been synonymous with spirituality, charity, and tradition. The Dharmasthala Manjunatha Swamy Temple is visited by millions each year, blending Jain administration with Hindu rituals in a model of religious harmony. The serene temple town of Dharmasthala in Karnataka—known for its heritage, charity, and religious significance—is now at the center of a disturbing controversy.
In July 2025, a former temple sanitation worker alleged that he was coerced into burying hundreds of bodies between 1995 and 2014—many of them women and minors allegedly raped or murdered. He claimed that multiple burial sites existed around Dharmasthala. this sacred space became the focus of one of the most disturbing criminal investigations in recent memory. He claimed that for nearly two decades, he had been forced to dispose of bodies at 13–15 secret locations in and around Dharmasthala—forested areas, open land, and secluded spots near temple property.
As the allegations spread, a Bengaluru civil court issued an ex-parte gag order, directing the removal of over 8,800 online posts and videos linking temple authorities to the case. Critics argued that the order infringed on press freedom and public access to information.
“WHERE an ex parte gag order means a type of legal order issued by a court, without the knowledge or participation of all parties involved, that restricts communication about a case. it signifies that the order is issued based on the request of only one side of a legal dispute. This is typically done in emergency situations where immediate action is necessary to prevent harm, protect evidence, or ensure the integrity of the legal process”
The Karnataka High Court later quashed the order, amid questions about judicial impartiality, restoring the right of media and individuals to report on the case. This episode reignited the debate on balancing defamation laws with freedom of expression—especially in cases with public interest at stake
Violence and Public Polarization
The controversy has divided communities. In one incident, YouTubers and a TV reporter investigating the claims were assaulted by locals, who accused them of tarnishing the temple’s reputation. Dalit rights groups condemned the violence, demanding action under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Politically, parties have taken opposing stands as the BJP leaders allege a conspiracy by leftists and “fundamentalists” to discredit Hindu religious institutions. Also Others emphasize the need for an imConcerns over GPR scarcity: Advocate Manjunath N (representing a victim’s mother) alleges a suspicious lack of available GPR units, potentially obstructing the investigation. He claims private suppliers were discouraged or threatened, Witness under scrutiny Calls have surfaced to place the whistleblower under custody amid fears his roaming movements may compromise the investigation’s objectivity partial investigation, warning against politicizing the victims’ plight.
“The revelations have shaken not just Karnataka, but the nation’s faith in institutions that have long enjoyed public reverence and political protection”
The allegations were grave enough for the Karnataka government to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT). This wasn’t just about verifying a tip—it was about determining whether an institution that symbolised purity and devotion had been a silent witness, or even participant, in a decades-long cover-up.
The SIT deployed Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to detect underground anomalies without digging. This is essential for identifying burial sites while preserving evidence. Expanded legal powers: On August 6, the SIT was granted police station status under the BNSS, empowering them to register FIRs and file charges without involving separate police stations—streamlining the legal process
However, reports of an “artificial shortage” of GPR units—and alleged intimidation of suppliers—have cast doubt on whether all possible sites will be examined in time. In forensic investigations, delay can mean evidence degradation, making this a major red flag.
This is not just an investigation into possible murders—it is a litmus test for India’s commitment to justice, regardless of the accused’s social or religious standing. If the allegations are true, it reveals systemic failures spanning law enforcement, religious oversight, and political accountability.
It also tests whether new criminal procedure laws (BNSS) can actually deliver speedy, transparent, and victim-focused justice—or whether they will be just another legal reform without impact.
Findings of the investigation teams
•Site 6 breakthrough: On Day 3 of excavations, the SIT uncovered 15 bone fragments—believed to be human—and a PAN card linked to a male individual, offering new leads in victim identification.
•New elevated terrain site (Banglegudde): Discovered multiple skeletal remains including skulls, marking another significant excavation.
•Site No. 11: Also yielded human remains, further confirming the credibility of the witness’s claims.
•Site No. 13 near Boliyar: Excavations here have so far led to no discoveries, despite targeted digging.
•Records from the Dharmasthala Gram Panchayat indicate around 270 unclaimed burials over 30 years, a detail now being examined within the SIT’s investigations
In a breakthrough move, the SIT has now been granted full police station status, giving them authority equivalent to SHOs to file FIRs and submit legal reports directly under the BNSS framework .
Investigative Tools & Site Challenges
•For the remaining sites (Nos. 12 and 13), the SIT is considering advanced techniques such as Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and drone-based surveying due to terrain complexity and proximity to utilities
•A legal concern has been raised regarding a possible artificial shortage of GPR equipment, which might be slowing the investigation
The Dharmasthala case touches on several critical issues:
•Justice for the victims—if the allegations are true, they point to decades of systemic abuse and concealment.
•Transparency in investigations—public trust depends on impartial fact-finding, not secrecy.
•Freedom of expression—journalists and whistleblowers must be able to report without fear of retaliation.
•Religious and political sensitivity—cases involving revered institutions require extra care to avoid both false vilification and undue protection.
Conclusion: A Case That Tests Faith, Law, and Accountability
The Dharmasthala mass burial investigation is more than a criminal case—it is a test of India’s legal system, technological capability, and moral resolve. Allegations that span nearly two decades, implicating one of Karnataka’s most revered temples, strike at the delicate intersection of faith and justice. For many, this is not only about uncovering bones but also about unearthing truths long buried under silence, fear, and institutional power.
From a legal perspective, the Special Investigation Team’s new powers under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) represent a decisive step toward swift justice. Direct authority to register FIRs and file chargesheets eliminates bureaucratic delays, a critical improvement in a case where evidence may already be fragile. However, legal authority alone will not suffice—what is needed is uncompromising transparency, proper evidence preservation, and protection for witnesses.
Technological tools like Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) offer the promise of scientific certainty, yet their reported shortage raises troubling questions. If advanced forensic technology is selectively withheld or delayed, it risks eroding public trust in the investigation’s impartiality. The alleged intimidation of equipment suppliers, if proven, could itself become a criminal offence.
Politically, the case is already polarised. One camp frames it as an attack on a sacred institution; the other warns against shielding potential crimes under the cloak of religion. This tension underscores the urgent need for the investigation to remain insulated from political influence. Only a fact-based, law-driven process will withstand scrutiny in the courts and in public opinion.
For the families of alleged victims—especially women and minors—this case represents the hope that even decades-old injustices can see the light of truth. Every bone fragment recovered is not just forensic evidence—it is a silent testimony demanding dignity, closure, and justice.
Ultimately, the Dharmasthala case is a reminder that no institution, however revered, can stand above the law. The integrity of India’s criminal justice system will be measured by whether it can deliver a fair, fearless, and thorough investigation in the face of power, faith, and time itself.
The Dharmasthala case is about more than old graves , it’s about truth, justice, and the courage to confront power.
