‘Dharmasthala Chalo’ rally reaches temple town; SIT continues probe

Mangalore Today News Network

Dharmasthala, Aug 17, 2025: The ‘Dharmasthala Chalo’ rally, led by BJP leader and Yelahanka MLA S.R. Vishwanath, reached the temple town on Saturday afternoon from Nelamangala. The rally was organised to oppose what the BJP termed a “smear campaign” against the Dharmasthala Manjunatha temple and its administration, amid the ongoing SIT probe into alleged burials in the village over a decade ago.

 

 

The convoy of around 400 vehicles carrying supporters arrived at Dharmasthala around 3 p.m., a day ahead of BJP State president B.Y. Vijayendra’s scheduled visit. Several BJP MLAs and MPs are expected to join him on Sunday.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Vishwanath said the SIT could not continue excavating new sites based solely on the complainant’s claims, as it was hurting the sanctity of Dharmasthala. He alleged that certain individuals, including YouTubers, were using the issue to defame Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, MLAs, and temple Pattadhikari D. Veerendra Heggade. He urged the SIT to investigate the complainant thoroughly and examine the sources of funding behind what he called a “sinister campaign.”

Meanwhile, no excavation work was carried out on Saturday. SIT sources said the complainant was questioned at its Belthangady office, along with a few witnesses who claimed to have seen him bury bodies. So far, 17 sites, including areas around the Snana Ghatta, Bahubali Betta road, and Dwarakashrama in Kanyadi, have been excavated.