The Latest Breaking News from Dharmasthala

Dharmasthala case explained: The latest findings and unanswered questions

A lot has happened since we last spoke about the Dharmasthala case. And because we’ve been following this story closely and reporting on it through all these developments, I thought it was time we sat down and made sense of where things stand.

Newslaundry · 11h ago

Seven killed in lorry-MUV collision in Karnataka

Seven people died and two were seriously injured in a road accident. A multi-utility vehicle collided head-on with a lorry near Balagara Cross. The vehicle was traveling from Dharwad to Dharmasthala and Chikkamagaluru. Police stated the driver was speeding and driving negligently. An investigation is currently underway following the incident.

The Economic Times · Jul 9

SIT files charges against activists in Dharmasthala skull case

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Dharmasthala mass burial allegations has filed a complaint report against activists Mahesh Thimmarodi and Girish Mattanavar and Dharmasthala residents Jayan T and Vittal Gowda, accusing them of perjury and criminal conspiracy in connection with a skull that was planted as evidence. 

Newslaundry · Nov 20, 2025

The News Minute moves Karnataka HC against Dharmasthala gag orders

The News Minute has approached the Karnataka High Court challenging two separate gag orders that have been used to curb its reportage on the Dharmasthala mass burial case. The court is likely to hear the matter next week.

Newslaundry · Aug 6, 2025

Let Me Explain on ground: A history of deaths and burials that haunt Dharmasthala

This episode was shot on July 31. There have been more developments in the case, which you can read here.

Newslaundry · Aug 5, 2025

Breakthrough in Dharmasthala case: Human remains found near Karnataka river

Human remains have been found at Dharmasthala on the third day of excavation, according to Special Investigation Team (SIT) officials investigating the alleged mass burials case. The remains were found on Tuesday, July 29, at Spot 6 near the Nethravati river — one of the 13 spots where the whistleblower…

Newslaundry · Jul 31, 2025

South Central 37: VS Achuthanandan’s legacy and gag orders in the Dharmasthala case

In this episode of South Central, Dhanya Rajendran, Pooja Prasanna, and Leena Reghunath discuss the life and legacy of V S Achuthanandan with environmentalist Sridhar Radhakrishnan and senior journalist Sreejan Balakrishnan.

Newslaundry · Jul 27, 2025

Let Me Explain: How police lapses derail investigations and fail victims

In 2012, the rape and murder of 17-year-old Sowjanya in Karnataka’s temple town of Dharmasthala led to widespread outrage and several protests across the state. Yet, thirteen years later, the perpetrators of the crime have not been brought to justice. Reason: The police allegedly botched up the investigation. 

Newslaundry · Mar 17, 2025

NGO organises cleanliness drive along Charmadi Ghat to clear tonnes of trash thrown by devotees on Padayaatra

Hasiru Tapasvi cleans up Charmadi Ghat after Maha Shivaratri Padayaatra to prevent plastic pollution in water bodies.

The Hindu · Mar 17, 2024

Big footfalls bring big mounds of plastic and other waste

Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, which have many pilgrim and tourist destinations that attract thousands, struggle to dispose of mounds of waste. While locals are more easily convinced to keep their environs clean, the floating population poses a problem often. The local bodies here are trying to evolve solutions.

The Hindu · Feb 23, 2024