Dharmasthala: A major confrontation unfolded in Dharmasthala as tensions between devotees and self-proclaimed activists and YouTubers escalated dramatically. Over 30 YouTubers who had been allegedly spreading false and defamatory news about the Dharmasthala temple and its authorities were confronted by angry devotees. In an extraordinary show of protest and mockery, the devotees offered alms to the You Tubers symbolically treating them as beggars and chased them away from the temple premises on the evening of August 6.
Some of the attacked individuals were admitted to a local hospital for treatment. The situation took a serious turn when a Suvarna News reporter, who had gone to cover the aftermath at Ujire hospital, was reportedly assaulted by individuals allegedly linked to the gang of Mahesh Shetty Timarodi, a known name in ongoing campaigns critical of Dharmasthala authorities.
The protests were not limited to symbolic gestures or isolated altercations. A large number of devotees gathered in front of the Dharmasthala police station, demanding strict action against YouTubers and individuals who they claim have been tarnishing the image of the temple and its Dharmadhikari, Pujya Dr D Veerendra Heggade.
Devotees expressed their dismay at the police inaction, stating that while the Special Investigation Team (SIT) had not issued any official statements, the You Tubers were misleading the public with sensational and unverified claims. “They are randomly saying 14 bones were found, some say 104 bones who is verifying this? The SIT has said nothing officially,” one protester questioned.
“We are peaceful devotees. We welcomed the SIT with open minds. But now, when people with no credentials to run even a toilet are accusing the Dharmadhikari, it shakes our faith in the system,” a protester said angrily. “Shouldn’t the police question those making the accusations instead of targeting those demanding justice?”
The devotees further accused the YouTubers of fabricating stories related to the controversial death of YouTuber Saujanya, which has been a lightning rod for conspiracy theories and social media campaigns. They alleged that activists like Girish Mattannavar and Mahesh Shetty have, for over a decade, been engaged in systematic slander against Dharmasthala.
“These people have used filthy and derogatory language against the Kshetra, the Dharmadhikari Peetha, and our revered Dr. Veerendra Heggade. We tolerated it for years, but now they brought a mob of 30–40 to attack us. The police stood by silently,” said one devotee, visibly emotional.
He continued, “This is no longer just about words; it is a matter of our self-respect. We demand that the 30 individuals who came to holy place with malicious intent be immediately arrested.”
The situation worsened when both groups clashed at Pangala Cross. The police, in an attempt to control the situation, resorted to a lathi charge. Despite dispersing the crowd temporarily, the unrest spread to nearby villages, with more locals gathering in solidarity with the devotees.
The police have since warned the public against assembling in large numbers near the temple premises and have intensified patrolling in sensitive areas. Additional police forces have been deployed in and around Dharmasthala to maintain law and order.
In another disturbing development, Suvarna News journalist Harish, who had gone to cover the hospitalized YouTubers’ side of the story, was allegedly assaulted by members of the Girish-Mahesh Shetty group. Following this, the police have registered a case Mahesh Shetty timarodi, former sub inspector Girish Mattannanavar and you tuber M D Sameer who involved in the ongoing Saujanya agitation.
