The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has begun a preliminary inquiry into allegations of questionable foreign funding possibly being used to incite communal unrest in connection with the ongoing Dharmasthala controversy in Karnataka, official sources confirmed on 4 September 2025.
According to reports, the ED is currently collecting relevant information and documentation involving various individuals and organizations, including certain NGOs, that are suspected of utilizing foreign contributions to inflame tensions.
The agency is conducting the probe under provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). Further steps will be taken if evidence surfaces indicating violations related to foreign funding regulations or the misuse of overseas funds, sources told PTI.
The controversy gained political traction on 1 September, when the Karnataka unit of the BJP organized a “Dharmasthala Chalo” protest march. The rally was aimed at denouncing what the party claims is a conspiracy and misinformation campaign targeting the temple town located in the Dakshina Kannada district.
The BJP also called for a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into the issue and criticized the Congress-led state government for what it described as a poor and politically biased response to the matter.
The dispute began following allegations made by Chinnaiah, a former sanitation worker employed in Dharmasthala from 1995 to 2014. He alleged that he was coerced into burying multiple bodies including those of women and minors some allegedly bearing signs of sexual violence. His accusations hinted at the possible involvement of temple authorities.
Chinnaiah was later arrested for perjury, casting doubt on the veracity of his claims. In response to the controversy, the state government formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT), which has since launched a thorough probe. The SIT conducted excavations at several forested sites near the Netravathi River, as identified by the complainant. Skeletal remains were reportedly uncovered at two of these locations.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on 4 September 2025 accused two activists Girish Mattannavar and Mahesh Shetty Thimarody of having links with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the BJP, suggesting a political motive behind their involvement in the case.
Police have registered two separate FIRs against the duo for allegedly producing and sharing videos on social media platforms that are believed to have incited communal tensions and hurt public sentiments.
(With inputs from Deccan Herald)
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