Mangaluru: Actor and activist Prakash Raj has reacted to reports and discussions on social media linking his name to the ongoing Dharmasthala case, stating that he will personally address the matter through the media within the next two days.
In a statement shared on social media in Kannada, the actor described the issue as highly sensitive and said it had affected the faith of millions of devotees. He emphasised that it was his responsibility to respond to the doubts and allegations being circulated regarding his alleged connection to the case.
Actor says matter concerns faith of devotees
Prakash Raj said that certain news reports and social media discussions concerning him and the Dharmasthala case had come to his attention. Referring to the seriousness of the issue, he stated that the matter involved the sentiments and faith of a large number of devotees.
In his message, the actor noted that because of the sensitivity of the subject, he believed it was important to clarify the facts and address any questions that had arisen in the public domain.
He also appealed to people not to jump to conclusions based on speculation circulating online.
Plans to address media personally
The actor said he was currently away and therefore unable to respond immediately. However, he assured the public that he would return and address the issue personally through media interactions within two days.
Prakash Raj urged people not to believe what he described as rumours and exaggerated claims being attached to the controversy. He stated that misleading narratives were being spread around the issue and asked the public to wait for his official response before forming opinions.
His remarks came amid increasing attention surrounding allegations mentioned in a petition related to the Dharmasthala case.
Name surfaces in Karnataka High Court petition
The actor’s response follows the mention of his name in a writ petition filed before the Karnataka High Court on June 11 by Chinnayya, an accused in the alleged Dharmasthala conspiracy case.
According to the petition, Chinnayya claimed that he had been instructed by certain individuals to provide statements in a particular manner. He further alleged that Prakash Raj had spoken to him in Tamil and made certain remarks.
Among the allegations cited in the petition was a claim that the actor had told him, “I will come and hug you on the 29th.” These allegations have not been adjudicated in court, and Prakash Raj has now indicated that he will publicly respond to the claims.
Background of the Dharmasthala case
The Dharmasthala mass-burial case came under national scrutiny in 2025 after a former sanitation worker alleged that he had been compelled to bury hundreds of bodies in and around the temple town over nearly two decades.
The allegations prompted a major investigation by a Special Investigation Team (SIT), which initiated excavations at several locations identified by the complainant. The case drew widespread attention because of claims relating to unidentified bodies, missing persons and skeletal remains allegedly recovered during the investigation.
Authorities continue to examine evidence and investigate the allegations. Several aspects of the case remain under investigation, and no final conclusions have been reached.
Public attention on upcoming response
Prakash Raj’s statement has generated significant interest, particularly because his name emerged in a court petition connected to one of Karnataka’s most closely watched investigations. His forthcoming response is expected to clarify his position regarding the allegations mentioned in the petition.
As investigations into the Dharmasthala case continue, legal proceedings and official findings are likely to play a crucial role in determining the facts surrounding the allegations and claims made by various parties.