Image by Kai from Pixabay
A disturbing complaint has emerged from the temple town of Dharmasthala in Karnataka's Dakshina Kannada district, sending shockwaves through the local community and raising serious questions about potential systematic violence spanning over a decade and a half. The allegations brought forward by a former sanitation worker who has chosen to remain anonymous due to fear for his safety reflect a horrifying picture of what may have been a prolonged pattern of murders and sexual violence.
Dharmasthala and more than Just a Temple Town
Dharmasthala stands as one of Karnataka's most revered religious destinations, situated approximately 75 kilometres from the coastal city of Mangaluru. The town is renowned for its ancient Shiva temple, which has been under the stewardship of the prominent Jain Heggade family for generations. This temple complex attracts thousands of devotees annually, making it a significant pilgrimage centre that holds deep cultural and spiritual importance for the region.
The Whistleblower's Profile
The individual who has brought these grave allegations to light served as a sanitation worker within the temple administration for nearly two decades, from 1995 to 2014. His primary responsibilities initially involved maintaining cleanliness along the Netravati river area, a role that would later expose him to what he describes as a systematic pattern of criminal activity. The decision to seek anonymity reflects the serious nature of the alleged threats he claims to have received throughout his period of employment.
Horrific Allegations and a Timeline of Terror: Scope of the Alleged Crimes
The complainant's statement presents a chilling account of events that allegedly unfolded between 1998 and 2014 - a 16-year period during which he claims to have been coerced into disposing of multiple murder victims. The allegations specifically highlight that a significant number of these victims were women who, according to his testimony, showed clear evidence of having been subjected to sexual assault before their deaths.
Forced Participation
Perhaps one of the most disturbing aspects of the complaint is the allegation that the former sanitation worker was not merely a witness to these crimes but was allegedly forced to participate in their cover-up. According to his statement, he was compelled to either bury or burn the bodies of victims under explicit threats to his own life. This coercion, if proven true would represent not only the primary crimes but also a systematic attempt to obstruct justice and eliminate evidence.
Eyewitness Testimony to Violence
The complainant has stated that his involvement went beyond merely disposing of bodies - he claims to have actually witnessed some of the killings taking place. This direct testimony, if corroborated, could prove crucial in any potential prosecution. The psychological trauma associated with witnessing such violence while being powerless to prevent it, combined with the fear of retaliation may explain the significant delay between the alleged events and the filing of the formal complaint.
Disturbing Pattern of Violence Against Women: Evidence of Sexual Assault
The complaint contains particularly disturbing details regarding the condition of female victims. According to the former sanitation worker's statement, many of the women's bodies were discovered without clothing or undergarments which he interpreted as evidence of sexual assault. This pattern suggests that the alleged crimes may have involved not just murder, but systematic sexual violence against women.
Beyond the evidence of sexual assault, the complainant described observing clear indicators of extreme violence on the victims' bodies. He specifically mentioned wounds and signs of strangulation reflecting a picture of brutal killings that preceded the disposal of the bodies. The systematic nature of these alleged crimes occurring over such an extended period raises questions about whether there was an organised pattern to the violence.
Legal Proceedings and Official Response: Formal Complaint Process
On July 3rd, the former sanitation worker took the courageous step of filing his complaint with the appropriate authorities, specifically submitting it to both the Superintendent of Police in Mangaluru and the Dharmasthala Police Station. This dual submission ensures that the allegations receive attention at both the district and local levels of law enforcement.
Demonstrating the seriousness with which authorities are treating these allegations, a formal case was registered just one day after the complaint was filed, on July 4th. The case has been registered under Section 211(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), India's new criminal code that replaced the Indian Penal Code indicating that the matter is being handled under the most current legal framework.
In their official press release, police authorities have made several important commitments regarding the investigation. They have assured the public that a comprehensive investigation will be conducted, acknowledging the gravity of the allegations. Additionally, they have indicated their intention to seek court permission to disclose the alleged burial sites which would be crucial for gathering physical evidence to support or refute the claims.
Protection of the Complainant
Recognizing the sensitive nature of the case and the complainant's stated fear for his safety, police have committed to maintaining the confidentiality of his identity throughout the investigation process. This protection is essential not only for the complainant's safety but also for encouraging other potential witnesses to come forward without fear of retaliation.
Implications and Moving Forward
These allegations have the potential to significantly impact the reputation of Dharmasthala as a sacred pilgrimage site. The contrast between the town's spiritual significance and the horrific nature of the alleged crimes creates a particularly shocking association that will likely have lasting effects on the community and its visitors.
While these allegations are deeply disturbing, it is crucial that the investigation proceeds according to proper legal procedures. The claims must be thoroughly investigated; evidence must be gathered and analysed, for all parties must be afforded their legal rights. The gravity of the allegations makes it all the more important that justice is pursued through proper channels. This case raises numerous critical questions that the investigation must address. How could such alleged systematic violence continue for so many years? What mechanisms failed that should have detected and prevented such crimes? Were there other individuals aware of these alleged activities? These questions will likely guide the direction of the investigation as it unfolds.
. . .
References: