Dharmasthala unnatural death cases: Soujanya Horata Samiti to hold ‘Ujire Chalo’ protest on Aug 24

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Aug 14, 2025: For several decades, the Dharmasthala region has witnessed a series of unnatural deaths, including cases of rape, murder, and robbery, where the real culprits have never been brought to justice.

In 1983, suspicious deaths in Dharmasthala were even discussed in the State Assembly. In 1986, Vedavalli, a teacher at an educational institution run by Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala, was doused with petrol and murdered — the accused were never caught. In 1973, Padmalatha, a student of SDM College, was raped and murdered — again, no arrests were made.

In 2012, Narayana and Yamuna, elephant caretakers employed at Shri Kshetra, were killed and robbed — no culprits were found. Barely 20 days later, on October 9, 2012, Soujanya was raped and murdered — still, no arrests.

Between 2002 and 2012 alone, there were 452 unnatural deaths reported in Dharmasthala and Ujire. Discrepancies have been found between the number of bodies reported by the Dharmasthala Gram Panchayat and the figures recorded by the police under UDR (Unnatural Death Reports). From 1970 to 2025, numerous cases of murder and sexual assault have occurred, yet none of the perpetrators have been apprehended, said K. Dinesh Gaaniga at a press conference.

According to him, this failure to arrest suspects has tarnished the reputation of Shri Kshetra and eroded public trust. A formal complaint has been submitted to the Chief Secretary of the State, urging that all past cases be reopened, investigated thoroughly, and the accused brought to justice.

Meanwhile, some political and organizational leaders are holding press conferences claiming that the reputation of Shri Kshetra and Hinduism itself is being damaged. Certain MLAs have even raised the matter in the Assembly. Dinesh Gaaniga questioned why these leaders, who had remained silent and refrained from forming an acquittal committee during the Vedavalli, Padmalatha, Narayana–Yamuna, and Soujanya cases, are now suddenly protesting. He alleged that the public knows who they are trying to protect.

The Soujanya Horata Samiti has now demanded that these four key cases be handed over to the SIT, the accused be arrested, and that the ongoing SIT probe be supported. To press these demands, a statewide ‘Ujire Chalo’ protest will be held on Sunday, August 24, 2025.

Aditya, Yogendra Putran, and Kiran were also present at the press meet.