Mounesh Vishwakarma

Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal

Bantwal, Aug 10: Former Dakshina Kannada zilla panchayat vice-president M Tungappa Bangera has condemned the recent social media attacks against Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala and Dharmadhikari Dr D Veerendra Heggade, calling them a “malicious smear campaign” led by left-leaning elements and YouTubers.

Speaking at a press conference at the Bantwal Press Club on Saturday, Bangera said such character assassination, especially while the Special Investigation Team (SIT) is still probing the Sowjanya rape and murder case, was premature, irresponsible, and deeply offensive.

"Some are acting as self-appointed judges, branding people guilty even before the investigation concludes. This is a direct attack on the sanctity of Dharmasthala — a revered spiritual and social institution," he said.

He highlighted the temple’s role in transforming lakhs of lives through rural development, self-help groups, and social welfare schemes, adding that the current narrative undermines decades of community service.

Bangeri also questioned the formation of the SIT when capable officers exist within the Dakshina Kannada police, and urged the Home Minister to explain the decision.

He demanded that the complainant be subjected to a narco-analysis test, citing rising public suspicion and lack of custodial interrogation.

Leaders Sadananda Gowda Navooru, Karunendra Poojary, and Yogish Poojary Attaje were also present at the press meet.