Dharmasthala: Protest against ’fake godman’ face backlash from locals

Mangalore Today News Network

Dharmasthala, July 22, 2025: A tense situation unfolded in Dharmasthala on Monday when Sharana Basappa Kabja and his team, who were staging a protest march against a self-proclaimed ‘fake godman,’ faced backlash from locals and were ultimately taken to the police station before leaving the temple town.

The group, consisting of Basappa and ten others, held placards and marched up to the main entrance of Dharmasthala under the pretext of raising awareness about a sexual assault case. The same group had earlier posted strong statements against the temple authorities on social media, which angered the locals.

 

 

 

 

 

Arguments and a scuffle broke out at the spot, prompting police intervention. The protesters were escorted to the police station and later left Dharmasthala without offering prayers.

Local residents labeled the group as imposters and condemned the act as an attempt to tarnish the sanctity and reputation of Dharmasthala. They also demanded strict action against the protesters.