Dharmasthala Controversy: CT Ravi Seeks CBI Probe into Alleged ₹200 Crore Campaign

BJP leader CT Ravi has formally requested Deputy CM DK Shivakumar to initiate a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the alleged organized smear campaign against the Dharmasthala temple and Dr. Veerendra Heggade.

The quiet sanctity of the Dharmasthala Kshetra, one of Karnataka’s most revered pilgrimage sites, has been punctured by fresh allegations of a high-stakes conspiracy. MLC CT Ravi has escalated the matter by writing an open letter to Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, arguing that the recent judicial filings point to a coordinated effort to dismantle the reputation of the temple and its Dharmadhikari, Dr. Veerendra Heggade.

At the heart of this controversy is an ongoing legal petition that has brought a list of names into the public eye. According to the court records cited in the letter, several individuals—including actor Prakash Raj, activist Mahesh Shetty Thimarodi, and various social media figures—have been mentioned in connection with the case. The most explosive claim is that a massive ₹200 crore fund was allegedly mobilized to orchestrate a systematic, long-term smear campaign against the institution.

Demanding a Central Audit

For years, the temple administration has faced a steady drip of accusations and public criticism. While these were initially viewed as isolated incidents, the scale of the alleged financial backing has forced a rethink. Ravi’s letter highlights that the sheer volume of resources involved suggests this was not a spontaneous protest, but a structured operation.

"The question isn't just about the allegations themselves," the letter notes, "but about who was footing the bill." The request for a CBI probe stems from the suspicion that the reach of this network may extend beyond state borders. The administration is now being urged to look into whether this is a part of a larger, potentially foreign-funded strategy aimed at destabilizing prominent Hindu religious institutions.

Why it matters

This development marks a significant shift in how religious institution-related controversies are handled in the state. By linking the local petitions to a massive, alleged funding network, the demand for a CBI probe raises the stakes from a local legal dispute to a potential national security concern. If such a large-scale organized campaign is proven to exist, it suggests a pattern of "reputation warfare" that could affect other major cultural and religious centers across India.

The investigation, if granted, will need to determine if there is a genuine, evidence-based conspiracy or if these allegations of a "shadow network" are being used to deflect from the primary grievances raised by the petitioners. For now, the spotlight remains on the state government’s next move, as they decide whether to invite federal intervention into a sensitive cultural matter.