The arrest of a former temple cleaner in Dharmasthala has sparked outrage after he alleged the concealment of numerous rape victims' bodies in the southern Indian town. The claims have ignited a political firestorm and prompted a Special Investigation Team to delve deeper into the horrifying assertions amid denials from the temple administration.
Shocking Allegations in Dharmasthala: Former Temple Cleaner Arrested After Claims of Mass Burials
Shocking Allegations in Dharmasthala: Former Temple Cleaner Arrested After Claims of Mass Burials
A man claimed to have buried hundreds of victims of sexual violence in the Indian temple town, leading to a police investigation and his subsequent arrest for perjury.
Police in the Indian town of Dharmasthala have arrested a man who recently made grave allegations, claiming he had been forced to bury the bodies of hundreds of women who had been raped and later murdered. The accusations, brought forth by the former temple cleaner, have sent shockwaves through this small, revered town in southern Karnataka, known for its ancient temple dedicated to Manjunatha Swamy, a deity of immense significance to its many pilgrims.
Following the man's startling claims, which included specifics of five alleged incidents, the Karnataka government established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the accusations amid rising political tensions. The accused individual, who has kept his identity confidential, had previously sought refuge in anonymity since 2014 but decided to come forward, citing a heavy conscience.
However, an SIT representative confirmed on Saturday that the man has been arrested on charges of perjury. Earlier in the month, he had lodged a detailed police complaint in which he detailed his time as a temple cleaner from 1995 to 2014, claiming he had a hand in the concealment of atrocities committed at the site, which he alleged involved minors among the victims.
While the man maintained his silence regarding specific individuals, he placed blame on the temple's administration—a standpoint dismissed as "false and baseless" by the chief administrator of the temple, Veerendra Heggade, who expressed his eagerness for a thorough investigation.
In a striking moment during his court appearance, the man produced a human skull, claiming it was evidence tied to a victim. However, SIT officials have stated that the remains found did not match his descriptions, further complicating the unfolding narrative.
Amidst intense media scrutiny and political discourse, with opposition leaders alleging a smear campaign against a Hindu religious landmark, the Karnataka government has repeatedly asserted its commitment to justice and truth. Home Minister G Parameshwara highlighted the importance of transparency, stating that the outcome—whether supportive or damaging to Dharmasthala's reputation—should be unveiled through the ongoing investigation.
As the situation develops, human remains, including nearly a hundred bone fragments found at suspected locations, have been sent for forensic testing, prompting the public and authorities alike to ponder the grim implications of the former cleaner's accusations.
