Police in Karnataka, India, have arrested a former temple cleaner who claimed he was forced to bury the bodies of numerous women who were raped and murdered in the temple town of Dharmasthala. His accusations, which have sent shockwaves through this sacred location, have triggered an extensive investigation.
The man, who remains unnamed but was seen covered in black attire, made his allegations public in early July. He reported his experiences to the police, stating that he worked as a cleaner at the temple from 1995 to 2014, during which time he allegedly buried the bodies of hundreds of young women and girls, some reportedly minors.
The local police were alerted to the claims, and government officials quickly formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) in response to the growing concerns and media scrutiny. An SIT official disclosed that the accused has been detained for perjury.
The former cleaner shared his harrowing story, claiming that he had been hiding for years due to the guilt he felt. During his presentation to the magistrate, he produced a human skull, asserting it belonged to one of the victims, but SIT officials refuted this claim, asserting that the remains did not originate from the locations he identified.
Despite the grave nature of the allegations, the temple administrators, particularly Veerendra Heggade, a prominent local figure and MP, dismissed the claims as “false and baseless.” He expressed full support for the ongoing SIT investigation, emphasizing the importance of uncovering the truth.
As the investigation unfolded, human remains—specifically a skull and numerous bone fragments—were discovered at two of the locations initially disclosed by the former cleaner, although the identities of these remains remain uncertain. This development has intensified the public discourse surrounding the temple and its officials, igniting political debates and accusations of a smear campaign against the esteemed religious site.
In light of the discoveries, the state government holds a firm commitment to transparency and justice, with officials asserting that they have no intent to shield anyone from scrutiny. The ongoing situation continues to capture media attention, further embroiling Dharmasthala in a wave of speculation and calls for accountability.
