Bengaluru: A group of speakers and activists associated with the Punyakshetra Samrakshana Samiti on June 17 alleged that a well-planned conspiracy was hatched to defame Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala and damage the reputation of its Dharmadhikari, Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade. Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, prominent speaker Chakravarthy Sulibele claimed that recent developments in the Dharmasthala case have exposed what he described as a coordinated campaign of misinformation and character assassination.
Sulibele alleged that the controversy surrounding Dharmasthala was not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern in which several prominent Hindu religious institutions had been targeted in the past. According to him, funds had allegedly flowed from different sources to support such campaigns.
“We have witnessed the character assassination of many individuals in the name of allegations against Dharmasthala. Today, the conspiracy itself has come to light. Similar attempts were made against several Hindu religious centres across the state. Money had come from different sources to fuel these campaigns,” Sulibele alleged.
He further claimed that individuals close to the political establishment had played a role in influencing the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT). Referring to statements reportedly made by Chinnayya in court proceedings, Sulibele said the whistleblower had alleged that inducements were offered to him.
“If Chinnayya is telling the court that he was offered inducements, it is a direct allegation against those behind the operation. This is not merely a deception of the government but an attempt to mislead seven crore people of Karnataka,” he said.
Sulibele also raised questions over actor Prakash Raj’s reported interactions with Chinnayya. Referring to media reports, he alleged that Prakash Raj had remained in contact with Chinnayya and questioned the purpose of such communication.
“Prakash Raj has reportedly admitted that he spoke to Chinnayya and also interacted with SIT chief Pranab Mohanty. The government should make the SIT’s interim report public. The people have a right to know the truth behind these developments,” he said.
Demanding greater transparency from the state government, Sulibele said the interim findings of the SIT should be released immediately. He warned that if the government failed to respond adequately, the committee would organize public awareness campaigns and Janagraha meetings across Karnataka and would even approach the Central Government if necessary.
Another speaker at the event, Vasanth Giliyar, questioned claims that large quantities of human bones had been discovered in connection with the case. He alleged that sensational reports circulated on social media and YouTube had caused significant damage to the reputation of Dharmasthala.
“We are not public relations representatives of Dharmasthala. But when allegations are made, evidence must support them. Some reports claimed piles of bones were found. Where are those piles of bones? Had the SIT acted against false reporting at the outset, much of the damage could have been prevented,” he said.
Giliyar further alleged that certain content creators and YouTubers had been financially supported to amplify the controversy. He also referred to claims made by Chinnayya in a writ petition, alleging that directions were being passed to him through a headphone during certain proceedings.
“The mystery behind the mask and headphones is now becoming clearer. Chinnayya himself has reportedly stated that he was wearing headphones. Questions naturally arise about who was directing him and for what purpose,” Giliyar said.
At the same time, he clarified that they were not directly accusing SIT chief Pranab Mohanty but demanded answers regarding interactions between key individuals connected to the case.
Vikas Kumar Puttur, another participant in the press conference, said the focus should now shift toward identifying the alleged masterminds behind the conspiracy.
“Chinnayya himself has reportedly admitted that a conspiracy existed. The real question is who orchestrated it. There is a growing suspicion that efforts are being made to divert the investigation. The new Home Minister should ensure that the entire truth comes before the public,” he said.
The speakers collectively urged the Karnataka government to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into all aspects of the case and make public any findings related to alleged attempts to manipulate public opinion against Dharmasthala. They maintained that the issue had deeply hurt the sentiments of devotees and insisted that those responsible for spreading misinformation should be identified and held accountable.
