Dharmasthala Mass Burial Case: BJP’s Sunil Kumar Questions Rs 200 Crore Conspiracy Claim, Urges Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar to Act

BJP MLA V. Sunil Kumar has questioned Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar over the growing controversy surrounding the Dharmasthala “burude” case, a matter that has triggered intense political and public debate in the state. His remarks came after reports claimed that Chinnayya, also known as the “Mask Man,” had told the Karnataka High Court that as much as Rs 200 crore may have been used in a conspiracy against the Dharmasthala religious centre and its administrators.

According to the article, the case has taken a new turn after Chinnayya, who is said to have been involved in the alleged plot, filed a writ petition before the High Court. The petition and related media reports have also brought film actor Prakash Raj’s name into discussion, though the article does not provide any independent verification of his involvement beyond those references.

Sunil Kumar posted a strongly worded message on social media, asking why the state government had not responded more firmly to the alleged conspiracy. He pointed out that Dharmasthala is a major Hindu pilgrimage centre and said the reported use of such a large amount of money suggested a serious, organized effort to damage its reputation. He also questioned whether the alleged money came from Kerala, as suggested in the reports mentioned by Chinnayya, and asked who had financed the operation, why it was done, and who ultimately benefited.

The BJP leader further recalled earlier statements attributed to Chief Minister Shivakumar, when he reportedly said in the assembly that the government stood with Dharmasthala and that he was a devotee of the shrine. Sunil Kumar asked Shivakumar how he now intended to address the alleged “Kerala link” and whether the matter would be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation or handled differently under political pressure.

He also criticized Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge, saying that the minister should explain where he stood on the issue now. Sunil Kumar accused the government of being silent on what he described as a conspiracy against a religious institution, while also expressing concern that if such an attack could happen against Dharmasthala, similar targeting could happen against other religious centres in the future.

The article says the controversy has intensified around the broader investigation linked to alleged burial and conspiracy claims involving the shrine. It notes that the High Court had heard Chinnayya’s writ petition on Thursday, June 11, before a single-judge bench headed by Justice Suraj Govindaraj. It also reports that the state government’s counsel was asked to explain details of the SIT investigation.

The issue has now become both a legal and political flashpoint, with the BJP pressing the government for answers on the alleged funding, the motive behind the plot, and the persons or groups said to be involved.