Dharmasthala Row: Veerendra Heggade Rejects Serial Killing Allegations, Welcomes SIT Probe
Veerendra Heggade, Dharmadhikari of Dharmasthala, has strongly denied allegations of serial killings and misconduct at the temple, calling them baseless while welcoming Karnataka government’s SIT investigation for truth and transparency.
- Karnataka government forms SIT to probe allegations
- Veerendra Heggade calls accusations “false and painful”
- Dharmasthala trust says assets managed transparently
Bengaluru : In a significant development in Karnataka, Veerendra Heggade, the Dharmadhikari of the Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Temple, has categorically denied allegations of serial killings, rapes, and secret burials linked to the institution. He termed the claims as “baseless and false,” while adding that they have caused him personal pain.
The controversy comes in the backdrop of the 2012 Soujanya murder case, where a 17-year-old college student was raped and killed, sparking protests and demands for justice. Fresh allegations on social media recently accused the temple trust of involvement in multiple crimes spanning decades.
Speaking in an interview, Heggade said he welcomes the Karnataka government’s decision to hand over the matter to a Special Investigation Team (SIT). “We had no objection when the SIT was formed. Truth should come out, and if accusations are raised, a probe is always good,” he stated.
The SIT has already conducted excavations at multiple sites in search of human remains. Home Minister G. Parameshwara earlier assured that the investigation will reach the root of the matter.
Heggade also expressed deep concern over how the issue has been amplified on social media. “The way stories are presented online is morally wrong and misleading young minds,” he remarked, while stressing that Dharmasthala’s community service work spans over 55 lakh families.
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On accusations of financial misuse, Heggade clarified that the family personally owns little property and all assets belong to the Dharmasthala Trust, with full documentation. “Everything is managed transparently. Our institutions are run for education and social welfare,” he emphasized.
He further rejected claims about secret burials inside the temple premises, pointing out that all deaths are reported to local authorities, and cremations or burials follow due legal procedures.
Amid questions on a Jain family running a Hindu temple, Heggade explained that similar arrangements exist elsewhere and all rituals are followed strictly. He added that temple practices and public faith remain unchanged despite the allegations.
Calling the accusations part of a “14-year-long organized campaign” against Dharmasthala, Heggade said, “Certain forces cannot tolerate the good work we do, but we will not be shaken.”
As protests demanding justice for Soujanya continue, the SIT’s findings are awaited. For now, the Karnataka temple trust insists that it has nothing to hide and will cooperate fully with the investigation.
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