Protests erupt in Karnataka as devotees demand action over Dharmasthala defamation

India Today

a day ago

Karnataka witnessed massive protests across multiple districts as pro-Hindu activists, BJP supporters, and devotees of Dharmasthala condemned alleged derogatory remarks and misinformation targeting the sacred temple town, referring to the ongoing probe in mass burial case.In Chikkamagaluru, over 2,000 devotees participated in a 2 km protest march from the Taluk Office to Azad Park, singing devotional hymns and beating drums. Hundreds of women joined the rally, condemning what they described as a conspiracy to malign Dharmasthala.advertisementIn Koppal, thousands of women, along with a differently-abled Muslim man in a wheelchair, took part in a rally from Ishwar Park to the DC's office. Several Muslim women also joined, demanding action against those spreading false propaganda about the temple.
In Yadgir, members of the Dharmasthala Devotees Forum held a rally from Subhash Circle to the DC's office, urging strict action against Girish Mattannavar, Mahesh Thimmaroddi, and YouTuber Sameer for allegedly defaming the shrine.In Mysuru, thousands of women devotees marched from Old Dairy Circle to the DC's office holding placards in support of Dharmadhikari Veerendra Heggade. They demanded transparency in the SIT investigation, protection for Hindu temples, and warned that those defaming the shrine must face consequences.In Kalaburagi, Hindu and Kannada organisations, along with former BJP MLA Dattatreya Patil and other leaders, held a rally from Jagat Circle to the DC's office after garlanding the Basavanna statue. Protesters called for action against fake YouTubers and individuals tarnishing Dharmasthala's image.Across all districts, protesters submitted memorandums to the government through Deputy Commissioners, asserting, 'We stand with Dharmasthala and its Dharmadhikari.'Meanwhile, in the ongoing Dharmasthala mass burial case, authorities conducted a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) scan at Point No. 13 yesterday morning as part of the exhumation process. After nearly 40 minutes, no human remains were detected.Following the unsuccessful scan, heavy machinery was brought in for excavation, with officials suspecting that soil dumped during past dam construction may be covering the alleged burial spot. Arrangements were also made to drain any seepage water, with a pump set deployed to clear the pit as digging continues.- EndsTune InTrending Reel
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