Dharmasthala, Karnataka – The revered temple town of Dharmasthala, known for its centuries-old spiritual and charitable legacy, is facing a storm of allegations – many of which, upon closer inspection, lack verifiable evidence.
At the centre of the controversy is the so-called “Ananya Bhat” case – a widely circulated social media narrative claiming that a Kasturba Medical College student vanished in Dharmasthala in 2003, her case allegedly covered up by influential forces. The story gained momentum after a former sanitation contractor, who worked in Dharmasthala between 1995 and 2014, claimed he was forced to dispose of bodies tied to criminal activities. He revisited alleged burial sites, photographed skeletal remains, and shared them with authorities, prompting an SIT probe.
Following this, a woman named Sujatha Bhat – claiming to be Ananya’s mother and a former CBI officer – came forward for the first time in over two decades, linking her daughter’s alleged disappearance to the whistleblower’s claims. However, official records tell a different story. Kasturba Medical College confirmed that no student named Ananya Bhat was ever enrolled. There are no credible witnesses, no verified documents, and no police or media records from 2003 supporting the claims.
Much of the story’s viral traction can be traced to activist Mahesh Shetty Thimarodi, known for his longstanding disputes with Dharmasthala’s administration. His campaign, presented as a public movement, has been accused of fuelling distrust and communal tensions. Allegations from the disgruntled ex-contractor – who has a documented history of misconduct – add little to the case’s credibility. Yet, in today’s digital age, unverified claims can spread far faster than fact-checks.
The implications extend beyond a single disputed case. When unproven allegations are repeatedly shared and politicised, heritage institutions risk being judged not on evidence, but on viral outrage. In Dharmasthala’s case, experts warn this could be part of a broader disinformation effort aimed at undermining public trust.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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