Dharmasthala Case: BJP Chief Seeks NIA or CBI Probe, Alleges Major Conspiracy

Speedy Summary:

• Karnataka BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra and other party leaders visited Manjunatha Swamy temple in Dharmasthala, Karnataka, on September 1, 2025, as part of their ‘Dharmasthala chalo’ rally.
• Allegations have surfaced about multiple rapes, murders, and burials in Dharmasthala over the last two decades. The controversy was started by claims made by arrested individual C.N. Chinnaiah regarding burial of bodies showing signs of sexual assault.
• State Government’s SIT investigated these claims and excavated forest locations near Netravati river; skeletal remains were found at two sites.
• BJP demanded the examination be handed over to the NIA or CBI citing concerns about “false propaganda” during SIT’s probe and a suspected “big conspiracy” targeting Dharmasthala temple’s reputation.
• Dakshina Kannada district in-charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao acknowledged pressure from leftist groups for investigating the matter; Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar referred to a conspiracy behind the episode.
• JD(S) also conducted its own rally called ‘dharmasthala Sathya Yatre’ demanding similar investigative actions on August 31.

Indian Opinion Analysis:
The unfolding events surrounding allegations linked to Dharmasthala point to deep political sensitivities tied to religion and public sentiment in Karnataka state politics. BJP’s insistence on handing over the case to national-level agencies like NIA or CBI reflects concerns about ensuring an independent probe while emphasizing damage control for sentiments of devotees given potential implications for religious institutions’ credibility nationwide.

The discovery of skeletal remains by SIT adds urgency but also raises questions about procedural transparency amidst accusations of misinformation campaigns circulating globally about this situation as alleged by BJP leadership.While both ruling coalition members (Congress-JD(S)) and opposition (BJP) stress uncovering truth with thorough investigations-calls for shifting control from local authority could polarize narratives further if mishandled politically or delayed administratively forward trajectory although needs respectful neutrality! states’ firm paralysis risks delays depth full-fact thoughtful decisions both sides impacts Devotees cultural!!

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