Araga Jnanendra demands apology from State over Dharmasthala probe

Araga Jnanendra demands apology from State over Dharmasthala probe

Mangalore Today News Network

Dharmasthala, Aug 24, 2025: Tirthahalli MLA and former Home Minister Araga Jnanendra on Saturday said the State government should apologise to the people of Karnataka for ordering a hurried SIT probe into the alleged mass burial case, after the arrest of the complainant-witness exposed the truth.

Leading a group of devotees from his constituency to Dharmasthala, Mr. Jnanendra alleged the campaign was a “malicious attempt” to tarnish the reputation of Sri Kshetra, which has an eight-century-old legacy. “The false narrative spread on social media left devotees across the world disturbed and confused,” he told reporters.

He urged that those behind the smear campaign be brought to book, while stressing that the complainant-witness was used to target the institution. He also accused “intellectuals and leftists” of being behind the episode.

Highlighting the contributions of Sri Kshetra, he pointed to initiatives such as SKDRDP’s rural development work, rejuvenation of lakes, alcohol de-addiction camps, women empowerment programmes, and support to government schools.

Later, Mr. Jnanendra, along with his followers, met Dharmadhikari D. Veerendra Heggade and expressed solidarity with the institution.