Bengaluru: A fresh political and social controversy has erupted over the Dharmasthala mass burial case, with Hindu organisation Sri Rama Sene staging protests against actor Prakash Raj after his name was reportedly mentioned in a writ petition connected to the ongoing matter. The development has triggered strong reactions from several Hindu organisations, which have accused the actor of being part of an alleged campaign to defame the revered Dharmasthala temple and hurt the sentiments of devotees.
The protest, led by Sri Rama Sene chief Pramod Muthalik in Belagavi, witnessed party workers raising slogans against Prakash Raj and burning his effigy as a mark of protest. Demonstrators accused the actor of consistently targeting Hindu religious institutions and demanded a thorough investigation into all allegations linked to the Dharmasthala controversy.
Main accused Chinnaiah directly names Prakash Raj in his High Court petition alleges ₹200 crore conspiracy against Dharmasthala!
Big influential people including the actor planned it. Only the Dalit worker is victimised & jailed. Where is your conscience now, Prakash Raj? pic.twitter.com/EtHHfmHlDA
— ಭೀಮಾ ತೀರದಲ್ಲಿ..🏹 (@bharatvarsha03) June 11, 2026
Addressing a press conference, Muthalik claimed that Prakash Raj’s name had surfaced in connection with allegations made by Chinnayya, one of the individuals associated with the case. He urged the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to question the actor and examine any possible links that may emerge during the course of the investigation.
The protestors alleged that the controversy surrounding Dharmasthala was part of a larger conspiracy aimed at tarnishing the image of one of Karnataka’s most respected Hindu pilgrimage centres. Carrying placards and banners, Sri Rama Sene workers condemned what they described as repeated attempts to target Hindu religious institutions and traditions.
During the demonstration, protesters shouted slogans demanding action against those allegedly involved in spreading what they termed as false narratives against Dharmasthala. Several speakers at the gathering criticized Prakash Raj for his past statements on religious and political issues and claimed that his comments had often generated controversy among sections of society.
Chinnayya, a key accused in the alleged conspiracy to tarnish the sanctity of Dharmasthala,
has filed a writ petition before the High Court
In the petition, he has made some shocking allegations
He claims that Mahesh Shetty Timarodi offered him ₹50 lakh as part of the alleged… pic.twitter.com/zRqyIK9zAS
— Mahesh Vikram Hegde 🇮🇳 (@mvmeet) June 11, 2026
Muthalik further demanded that authorities register a case against anyone found responsible for hurting the religious sentiments of devotees. He also stated that his organization would submit representations to Kannada, Telugu and Tamil film industry bodies seeking action against the actor if the allegations were proven.
The protests come amid heightened attention on the Dharmasthala issue, which has remained a subject of intense public debate. Dharmasthala, home to the famous Sri Manjunatheshwara Temple, attracts millions of devotees every year and holds immense religious significance for Hindus across the country. Any allegation concerning the institution naturally attracts widespread attention and emotional reactions from devotees.
Adding to the political dimension of the controversy, BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra also raised concerns over the developments. Speaking to reporters, he alleged that there had been attempts to bring disrepute to Dharmasthala and undermine the faith of devotees. He questioned decisions taken by the previous Congress government regarding the handling of the matter and called for all facts to be brought before the public.
According to Vijayendra, several aspects of the case have raised questions that deserve a transparent investigation. He maintained that any effort to damage the reputation of a centuries-old religious institution should be viewed seriously and investigated thoroughly.
Meanwhile, supporters of Prakash Raj have pointed out that allegations alone do not establish guilt and that any claims should be examined through proper legal procedures. The actor himself has already stated that he would respond to the controversy and clarify his position after returning to Bengaluru. In a social media post, he appealed to the public not to believe rumours or speculation until he presents his version of events.
Despite that clarification, the protests have continued to gather attention, particularly among organizations that view the issue as an attack on Hindu faith and traditions. Several activists participating in the Belagavi protest said they would intensify their agitation if authorities fail to investigate all aspects of the case.
Political observers note that the controversy has now moved beyond legal questions and entered the broader arena of public sentiment and ideological debate. With strong reactions emerging from religious organizations, political leaders and social groups, the issue is likely to remain in the spotlight in the coming days.
