Archive · 14 Aug 2025
Dharmasthala Temple Faces Scrutiny Over Alleged Wrongdoing
For years, activists have accused the Dharmasthala temple administration of wrongdoing, including illegal activities and suspicious deaths.
They filed information requests showing unusually high suicide rates.
Some journalists who wrote about this were threatened or faced legal trouble.
The temple administration has been accused of land grabbing as well.
Despite their efforts, the activists have faced obstacles in their attempts to expose what they believe is wrong.
Activists from Nagarika Seva Trust allege the Dharmasthala temple administration has been involved in illegal activities.
The Trust filed RTI applications revealing high rates of unnatural deaths in the area, especially suicides, compared to national averages.
Several journalists and publications, like Lankesh Patrike and Karavalli Ale, have also investigated and reported on alleged suspicious activities.
The temple administration is accused of land grabbing and encroachment, with a recent ruling against a family member.
Activists and journalists faced legal actions and threats, with some being imprisoned or facing office attacks.
- Who
- Nagarika Seva Trust, journalists, temple administration.
- What
- Allegations of illegal activities against the Dharmasthala temple administration.
- When
- Ongoing investigations and reporting over several years.
- Where
- Dharmasthala, Karnataka.
- Why
- To expose alleged illegal activities and seek justice for victims.
Activists & Journalists
Temple Administration
Accusations of Misconduct
Activists & Journalists
Temple administration engaged in illegal activity and suppression of dissent.
Temple Administration
Temple administration denies wrongdoing.
Unexplained Deaths
Activists & Journalists
High number of suspicious deaths.
Temple Administration
No comment.
Actions Taken
Activists & Journalists
Suppression of critics and journalists through legal actions and threats.
Temple Administration
Claims of defending themselves.
- Key Accusations
- Illegal activities, suspicious deaths, land grabbing
- Key Organizations
- Nagarika Seva Trust, Lankesh Patrike, Karavalli Ale
- Notable Findings
- High suicide rates in the area, compared to national rates
- Actions against Critics
- Legal cases, threats, imprisonment
- Main Subject
- Dharmasthala temple administration
Sources
Dharmasthala secret burials: BJP MLAs seek interim report, allege bid to defame Hindu religious site
SIT Excavates Dharmasthala Site No. 13, Finds No Human Remains
How activists raised concerns about Dharmasthala temple for years – but were ignored and punished
No remains found in latest excavation at Dharmasthala
NHRC steps in as inquiry deepens in burial allegations
SIT deploys ground-penetrating radar in mass grave probe
BJP demands statement by HM to end rumours
K'taka BJP legislators to visit Dharmasthala, SIT probe should conclude soon: Vijayendra
BJP legislators to visit Dharmasthala on Aug 17
Search continues at Dharmasthala's Point 13 despite heavy rain
Debate With Arnab: Dharmasthala Excavations Come Up Empty, Conspiracy Or Crime?
Karnataka Govt Mulls To Wind Up Excavation At Dharmasthala