NATIONAL: Masked Whistleblower’s Reversal Shifts Dharmasthala Probe
Whistleblower’s Retraction Raises Doubts
Bhima, a former sanitation worker at Dharmasthala’s Lord Manjunatha temple, retracted his earlier claims of burying hundreds of bodies between 1995 and 2014, admitting external influence prompted him to submit skeletal remains to the Special Investigation Team (SIT).
Bhima, now residing in Tamil Nadu since fleeing Dharmasthala in 2014, cited coercion in his initial allegations, casting uncertainty over the case’s credibility. His reversal has intensified scrutiny of the ongoing investigation into alleged mass burials.
SIT’s Response and Legal Actions
IPS officer Pronab Mohanty, heading the SIT, announced plans to issue notices to individuals suspected of instigating Bhima’s claims, following a petition filed in court.
The SIT has excavated 13 sites identified by Bhima, with partial skeletal remains found at only one location on July 31, 2025, identified as male. Mohanty emphasized that further inquiries will target the veracity of Bhima’s statements and external influences.
Karnataka Assembly’s Demand for Lie Detector Test
Members of the Karnataka Vidhan Sabha, during a session on August 18, 2025, demanded that Bhima undergo a lie detector test to verify his claims, reflecting skepticism about his allegations.
The assembly’s call underscores growing concerns over the lack of physical evidence supporting Bhima’s narrative. Home Minister G. Parameshwara reiterated the government’s commitment to a transparent probe.
Limited Evidence from Excavations
Despite Bhima’s identification of 13 burial sites along the Nethravathi River, excavations at 11 locations yielded no human remains, except for a single site where 15 male bones were recovered.
Additional findings included a debit card and a PAN card, traced to unrelated individuals. The absence of substantial evidence has fueled debates over the allegations’ legitimacy.
Crackdown on Misinformation
Home Minister Parameshwara warned against the spread of false narratives, particularly targeting YouTubers like Sameer MD, who was booked on July 14, 2025, for disseminating AI-generated misinformation about the case.
Authorities have urged the public to rely on verified information to avoid panic and speculation. The Karnataka State Commission for Women has also demanded a comprehensive report on missing persons in the region.
Background of Bhima’s Allegations
Bhima, a Dalit former sanitation worker, initially alleged on July 3, 2025, that he was coerced into disposing of over 100 bodies, many showing signs of sexual assault, under threats from influential figures linked to the temple administration.
His claims, supported by photographic evidence of skeletal remains, prompted the SIT’s formation. The retraction now complicates efforts to validate his testimony.
Political and Social Ramifications
The case has reignited discussions on caste dynamics, given Bhima’s marginalized background and allegations of institutional cover-ups by the temple’s influential Heggade family.
Public outcry, amplified on platforms like X, demands justice for alleged victims, while skepticism grows over unverified claims. The controversy has also revived unresolved cases, such as the 2012 Sowjanya rape-murder.
Broader Implications
The Dharmasthala case highlights challenges in addressing historical allegations of systemic abuse, particularly in revered religious centers.
The lack of concrete evidence and Bhima’s retraction underscore the need for robust verification processes. As the probe progresses, it may set precedents for handling high-profile whistleblower claims.