Mangaluru: All cooperative societies, irrespective of caste, religion, or political affiliation, have extended their full support to Dharmadhikari D. Veerendra Heggade and pledged to uphold the sanctity of Dharmasthala. This was affirmed by SCDCC Bank chairman M.N. Rajendra Kumar at a convention held as part of the Dharma Jagruti Yatre in Dharmasthala on Sunday.
Cooperatives stand united
Addressing the gathering of office-bearers from over 1,500 cooperative societies across Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, Rajendra Kumar condemned the spread of misinformation and false rumours about Dharmasthala. He said the cooperative movement would always stand by the temple and its traditions.
“It is the duty and responsibility of all devotees and supporters to protect the Dharmasthala temple without causing injustice to anyone. Such sacred service will bring peace and tranquillity to the minds of devotees,” he said.
Prior to the convention, cooperative leaders arrived in more than 3,000 vehicles and took part in a rally from Ujire to Dharmasthala. The convention itself was held at the Amritavarshini Auditorium.
Spiritual leaders and dignitaries speak
Sri Mohandas Paramahamsa Swami of Sridhama Manila and Dr. M. Mohan Alva, president of Alva’s Education Foundation, were among the speakers who expressed solidarity with the temple and its spiritual mission.
Dharmadhikari D. Veerendra Heggade, addressing the gathering, said that the love, trust, respect, and admiration of devotees had given him great strength. He expressed appreciation for Rajendra Kumar’s leadership in popularising the cooperative sector and stressed the importance of capable, honest, and selfless leaders in society.
Heggade on misinformation
Heggade said he was deeply pained by the false rumours circulating about Dharmasthala but added that he had drawn strength from the blessings of Lord Manjunatha, Bhagwan Chandranath Swami, and the grace of Annappa Swami.
“I even thank those who spread falsehoods, as it has resulted in thousands of devotees visiting Dharmasthala daily, reaffirming their love, trust, respect, and admiration,” he said.
Petition linked to Sowjanya case
Meanwhile, a related development emerged when Rashtriya Hindu Jagruthi Vedike member Venkappa Kotian filed a petition with Belthangady police. Kotian alleged that activist Snehamayi Krishna from Mysuru had recently visited Belthangady and accused Sowjanya’s uncle, Vittal Gowda, of involvement in the 2012 murder case.
Kotian claimed this was an attempt to mislead the investigation and urged police to identify those behind such allegations. He demanded a probe into the motives of the activist and others who might have encouraged the claims.
The petition has brought fresh attention to the long-pending Sowjanya case, in which her family has been consistently seeking justice and pressing for identification of the real culprits.
SIT chief reviews developments
In parallel, SIT chief and DGP Pronab Mohanty visited the SIT office on Sunday to review the ongoing investigation into the case.
Conclusion
The Dharma Jagruti Yatre underlined the strong backing Dharmasthala continues to enjoy from cooperative societies and the broader community, even in the face of rumours and allegations. While Heggade has drawn strength from the faith of devotees, the renewed spotlight on the Sowjanya case underscores the parallel demand for justice in a matter that continues to resonate locally.