Mysore/Mysuru, Aug. 13 -- Leaders unite to defend Dharmadhikari, condemn smear campaign against faith

Mysuru city witnessed a massive 'Janagraha' rally this morning, with women participating in large numbers, to protest against what organisers called a conspiracy to tarnish the sanctity of Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Sri Manjunatha Swamy Temple in Dakshina Kannada district and to malign the family of its Dharmadhikari, Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade.

The protest was organised by Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Abhimanigala Vedike, amid an ongoing Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into allegations of mass burials of sexual abuse victims at Dharmasthala and surrounding areas over several years. The allegations were made by a former sanitary worker o...