Villagers and devotees of Naravi village in Belthangady, Dakshina Kannada, have strongly condemned the alleged spread of misinformation against Srikshetra Dharmasthala. On Wednesday, a group of about 30 devotees submitted a formal petition to the District Collector and the District Superintendent of Police in Mangaluru, seeking immediate legal action against certain YouTubers who, they claim, are deliberately spreading false narratives.
In their petition, the delegation expressed that the videos and fabricated content circulated online had deeply hurt their religious sentiments. They emphasized that Srikshetra Dharmasthala, a renowned spiritual and cultural center of Karnataka, has always been a beacon of harmony, trust, and service. The spread of such baseless allegations, they said, not only damages the reputation of the revered institution but also creates unnecessary unrest among devotees.
The villagers further urged the authorities to monitor social media platforms closely and ensure that individuals spreading misleading information are held accountable under the law. They requested stringent action against those misusing digital platforms to malign sacred institutions and disturb communal harmony.
Srikshetra Dharmasthala, well known for its religious significance and social service initiatives, attracts lakhs of devotees each year. Locals said it is disheartening that a place of such spiritual importance is being targeted with fake propaganda. They stressed that safeguarding its image is a collective responsibility of both citizens and the administration.