The allegations made by a former temple cleaner in Dharmasthala, Karnataka, have rocked the small town, known for its centuries-old temple to Manjunatha Swamy, where he claimed to have buried the bodies of numerous women. Following his statements, police have apprehended the man for perjury after discovering inconsistencies in his claims.
The former cleaner, who worked at the temple from 1995 to 2014, had made a police complaint alleging that he was forced to bury the victims, some of whom he described as minors. He presented a human skull as evidence, claiming it belonged to a victim he had buried. However, investigators from the Special Investigation Team (SIT) disputed his claims, stating the remains did not come from the burial sites he identified.
The accusations have prompted a major investigation by the SIT, which has since unearthed human bones in two locations, although the identity of these remains remains unclear. The temple's chief administrator, Veerendra Heggade, publicly denounced the allegations as baseless and expressed support for a transparent investigation.
The situation has ignited a political response, with discussions in the state assembly and some political leaders accusing opponents of conducting a smear campaign against the temple. Home Minister G Parameshwara stated that the government aimed to uncover the truth, emphasizing the need for justice, regardless of the outcome.
As this unnerving case develops, the implications reach far beyond the temple community, prompting both profound concern and a call for thorough investigation.
The former cleaner, who worked at the temple from 1995 to 2014, had made a police complaint alleging that he was forced to bury the victims, some of whom he described as minors. He presented a human skull as evidence, claiming it belonged to a victim he had buried. However, investigators from the Special Investigation Team (SIT) disputed his claims, stating the remains did not come from the burial sites he identified.
The accusations have prompted a major investigation by the SIT, which has since unearthed human bones in two locations, although the identity of these remains remains unclear. The temple's chief administrator, Veerendra Heggade, publicly denounced the allegations as baseless and expressed support for a transparent investigation.
The situation has ignited a political response, with discussions in the state assembly and some political leaders accusing opponents of conducting a smear campaign against the temple. Home Minister G Parameshwara stated that the government aimed to uncover the truth, emphasizing the need for justice, regardless of the outcome.
As this unnerving case develops, the implications reach far beyond the temple community, prompting both profound concern and a call for thorough investigation.
