Members of the Sri Dharmasthala Bhaktabhimani Vedike held protest marches in Belagavi and Vijayapura on Wednesday, alleging a deliberate attempt to malign Dharmasthala, its Dharmadhikari Veerendra Heggade, and his family under the guise of a police probe.
In Belagavi, protestors gathered at Rani Channamma Circle, staged a rasta roko for over an hour, and later marched to the Deputy Commissioner’s office to submit a memorandum to the State government. They sought action against portals, YouTubers, and social media influencers allegedly spreading defamatory content even before the Special Investigation Team completes its inquiry. A large number of women from the self-help group joined the protest, highlighting the charitable work of the Sri Dharmasthala Rural Development Project.
Sri Shivasiddha Someshwar Swami of Mukti Math accused some of misusing social media to spread prejudice and misinformation, calling for capital punishment in such cases. Sri Shambhulinga Shivacharya Swami of Hiremunavalli, Siddalinga Shivacharya of Sutagatti, and several Vedike leaders were present.
In Vijayapura, protestors marched from Sri Siddeshwar Swami Math to the Deputy Commissioner’s office, alleging vested interests were targeting Dharmasthala for personal gain or to unseat the Dharmadhikari. Former BJP MLC Arun Shahapur claimed anti-Hindu forces, including those from outside Karnataka, were involved in the campaign to defame Dharmasthala.
