Veerendra Heggade breaks silence on Dharmasthala allegations, calls charges “baseless, hurtful”
Dharmasthala: Dharmadhikari of Dharmasthala, Dr. Veerendra Heggade, has denied allegations of mass burials and other charges levelled against him and the Dharmasthala institution, calling them “totally baseless” and “morally wrong”. Speaking in an exclusive interview with PTI, Heggade said the campaign against Dharmasthala was driven by jealousy and aimed at damaging the temple’s reputation and the trust of devotees.
On Allegations and SIT Probe
Heggade said the allegations had deeply hurt him and his devotees, who continue to place immense faith in the temple. He welcomed the government’s decision to set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT), saying only a fair inquiry could clear the confusion created by false propaganda. “SIT was welcomed by us from the very beginning. If everything is investigated properly, truth will come out and doubts will be cleared,” he said.
He added that Dharmasthala had fully cooperated with every investigation in the past, including a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry held 13 years ago. “We have never hidden anything. All our institutions, records and practices are open to enquiry,” he said.
On Family’s Role and Property Allegations
Responding to questions about his family’s involvement in temple affairs, Heggade clarified that responsibilities were shared. His brothers manage different aspects one oversees educational institutions in Bengaluru, another handles administration at Dharmasthala including the free food programme, guest facilities and cleanliness. “Other brothers are independent, and my sister is married and settled in Dharwad,” he said.
On the real estate angle often raised in connection with the controversy, he firmly denied that the family had large holdings in Dharmasthala. “Institution subsidiaries own the properties. My family owns very little property here and there. All documents are proper and on record,” he explained.
Campaign Against Dharmasthala
Heggade said an organised campaign had been running against Dharmasthala since 2012, aimed at curbing the growth and popularity of the institution. “We are involved in temple renovation, rural development and other service activities. This has irked some people, who don’t want the institution to grow,” he said.
He cited examples of social work, including rejuvenation of 980 tanks across Karnataka, scholarships for students and financial support for farmers. “Instead of acknowledging these works, false allegations are made just to tarnish the name of the institution,” he remarked.
On Mass Burial Claims and Justice for Sowjanya
Referring to the most recent allegations of secret burials, Heggade said such claims were “impossible”. He explained that in rare cases where devotees passed away in Dharmasthala such as by drowning in the river the panchayat and police were immediately informed. “The recent masked man’s claims have collapsed. He has not been able to prove anything. It shows the entire story was cooked up,” he said.
On the 2012 Sowjanya rape and murder case, which continues to be linked to Dharmasthala by some campaigners, Heggade maintained that the institution had no role in the crime. “We were the ones who immediately informed the police and government. Allegations on my family members were made when they were not even in India,” he clarified. He added that dragging Dharmasthala into the case was unjust, though he too wanted justice for Sowjanya.
On Social Media, Kantara and Conspiracies
Heggade expressed concern over the role of social media in spreading conspiracies. He said unverified claims and YouTube content had misled many youngsters. “Social media is very powerful. It disturbed the minds of youth and diverted them from faith and temple traditions,” he said.
He also pointed out that some campaigners even tried to use the popularity of the Kannada film Kantara to push their agenda. “We were totally taken aback when such social media questions were thrown at us. A movie was connected to our story and even brought up in the High Court. We are totally innocent about it, but social media has that kind of influence today,” he explained.
At the same time, he noted that while Dharmasthala does extensive development work, the institution has never sought publicity. “We do it as duty to Lord Manjunatha. Unfortunately, social media highlights only negatives, not the good works,” he said.
Support Across Political Lines
Heggade said attempts to give the controversy a political colour were misleading. “BJP leaders came in support, but leaders from Congress and JDS have also visited us. This is not political. It is only an attempt to defame the institution and my name,” he stressed. He welcomed statements by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, both of whom assured that conspiracies would be exposed and anyone guilty would be punished. “What matters now is action, not just statements,” Heggade said.
Faith of Devotees Remains Strong
Despite the storm of allegations, Heggade said the temple’s daily activities and traditions had continued without disruption. “There is no change in devotees’ faith. Rituals, offerings, and customs are being carried out as always. Maybe some youngsters are influenced by false propaganda, but overall the faith remains as strong as ever,” he said.
He also dismissed the idea that being a Jain heading a Hindu temple was controversial. “In this district, many Hindu temples are managed by Jain families. It is an age-old tradition and never a matter of concern,” he said.
Heggade said he hoped the SIT investigation would conclude soon to avoid further confusion. “We wish for a permanent solution. We have exposed everything to SIT. Delay only creates more disturbance,” he said. Expressing confidence in public support, he added, “Everywhere people are saying Dharmasthala has to be protected. With both public and government aware of the truth, this conspiracy will end.”
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National Herald case: Shivakumar to seek time next week to appear before Delhi police
New Delhi/Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Monday said he will ask for time from Delhi police to appear before them next week, to provide required information as part of the probe into the National Herald case.
He said he will seek time after the ongoing winter session of Karnataka legislature ends on December 19. He will also ask the Delhi police to provide him the FIR copy.
Shivakumar, who is in the national capital, had earlier said that he will appear before the Delhi police on Monday. But, he postponed the plan in order to rush back to Karnataka to participate in the last rites of veteran Congress leader Shamanuru Shivashankarappa, scheduled later in the day in Davangere.
"I had to go (to appear before the Delhi police), but I have to go back urgently. I'm asking them for time, stating that I will come next week," Shivakumar told reporters in New Delhi.
"They (Delhi police) have not attached the FIR copy while issuing notice to me. I need FIR copy, because we had already given all the required replies to the ED. I don't know what the FIR says, I only read in papers. They have given notice, I will ask for a FIR copy. I will come next week after the Assembly session."
The Delhi Police had issued a notice to Shivakumar, who is also the Karnataka Congress chief, seeking financial and transactional details as part of its probe into the National Herald case.
The notice issued by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) states that Shivakumar is "supposed to be having vital information" pertaining to the National Herald case registered on October 3 this year, against top Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.
In the notice dated November 29, the EOW had asked Shivakumar to appear before it or provide the requested information by December 19 latest.
Investigators have sought details about his personal background, his association with the Congress party, and a complete break up of funds allegedly transferred by him or associated entities to Young Indian.
To a question on meeting AICC General Secretaries K C Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala, amid the ongoing power tussle between him and CM Siddaramaiah over the Chief Minister post, Shivakumar said when he comes to Delhi, he usually meets every one.
"Whether it is Surjewala or Kharge (AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge) or Venugopal, I will meet everyone. During lunch yesterday I met Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi. I have met everyone. What's wrong?" he asked.
Shivakumar was in Delhi to take part in Congress' "Vote Chori" rally on Sunday, and had also participated in the lunch organised by the party for its leaders.
Responding to a question, whether any meeting is planned with leaders today, the Deputy CM said, he and Kharge will be travelling together to Karnataka, to pay last respects to Shamanuru Shivashankarappa.
Asked if he will seek time for a separate meeting with Congress leadership including Rahul Gandhi, during the next visit to Delhi, Sivakumar said, "such things will be there between us in the party.... you don't worry."
