Article Today, Karnataka: Gruesome revelations near the sacred Dharmasthala temple in Karnataka have shaken the state. Once considered a holy pilgrimage site, Dharmasthala is now under the scanner after reports of ritual killings and mass graves emerged. The allegations suggest a series of targeted murders of women and girls under the guise of occult rituals, carried out over decades.
Young Women Targeted for Human Sacrifice
The disturbing pattern allegedly involved selecting lone female pilgrims — particularly young women and girls — who visited the temple alone. Reports claim they were abducted, murdered in occult practices, and their bodies were buried secretly along the banks of the Nethravathi river or in nearby forest areas. Locals say women traveling alone to Dharmasthala often went missing, and survivors were extremely rare.
Whistleblower Brings Horrors to Light
These revelations came to public attention through a letter written by Bhima, a former sanitation worker at Dharmasthala who served between 1995 and 2014. In his letter to the district superintendent of police dated July 3, 2025, he confessed to being forced to bury hundreds of bodies during his service. He alleged that many victims were women and girls who appeared to be sexually assaulted and strangled before being dumped. Some bodies, he claimed, were even burned with diesel.
Past Mysterious Deaths Gain New Attention
Following this shocking disclosure, several past unsolved cases have resurfaced. In 2003, Ananya Bhatt, an MBBS student, vanished during a college trip to Dharmasthala. Her mother’s police complaint was ignored. In 2014, a 17-year-old girl named Soujanya was allegedly raped and murdered. Activists now argue the wrong person was framed in that case. Police records show nearly 250 missing cases were filed between 1995 and 2014 in the region.
Excavations Uncover Chilling Evidence
The Karnataka government formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT), which launched excavations around the Nethravathi river. These searches uncovered human skeletons, bones, and torn sarees. One grave site contained the remains of a 13-year-old girl, with accompanying fabric that matched her clothing. These findings have been sent for forensic analysis, lending strong support to the allegations.
Records Missing, Negligence Alleged
An RTI inquiry by activist Jayanth revealed another shocking fact — police records of unnatural deaths between 2000 and 2015 were missing from the Beltangadi station. The absence of digitized records, even in a technologically advanced district like Dakshina Kannada, raised eyebrows. Experts allege intentional tampering or destruction of evidence, pointing to deep-rooted negligence, or even complicity.
Temple Authority Faces Serious Allegations
Allegations are also mounting against the temple administration. Locals accuse powerful figures, including Dharmadhikari and Rajya Sabha MP Veerendra Heggade, of being involved or covering up the crimes. They believe political connections helped suppress the truth. In a recent development, the Karnataka High Court lifted a gag order previously issued by a Bengaluru civil court, affirming the public’s right to information.
Community Silenced by Fear
Locals have been hesitant to speak out due to fear. One resident stated he had been hearing stories about killings since childhood but dared not speak. He said even 24 hours wouldn’t be enough to narrate all he knew. Despite this silence, pressure is building for truth and justice.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Demand For Answers
The SIT, now backed by the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF), is continuing its excavation efforts in 15 identified sites. Under the leadership of four IPS officers, the probe is intensifying. As more evidence surfaces, the case raises serious concerns about women’s safety, institutional accountability, and the use of faith to mask violence. Until the full truth emerges, the country waits in anxious anticipation.
