‘I Did My Duty’: Prakash Raj Explains His Role in Dharmasthala Case

Actor Prakash Raj has broken his silence on the ongoing Dharmasthala controversy , clarifying that he merely forwarded information provided by C N Chinnaiah to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) and played no further role in the matter.

Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru on Wednesday, Raj said C N Chinnaiah, whose allegations of multiple murders, sexual assaults and secret burials in Dharmasthala triggered a state government-led SIT investigation, had reached out to him through activist Girish Mattannavar . According to the actor, Chinnaiah wanted to meet him personally, but he declined, explaining that he was not an investigating officer and could not conduct any inquiry on his own.

Raj said he instead asked Chinnaiah to record whatever information he wished to share and send it to him. After receiving an audio message, the actor said he immediately contacted SIT chief Pronab Mohanty and later handed over the recording to investigators.

“As a citizen, that was my responsibility,” Raj said, adding that the SIT chief thanked him for sharing the information and assured him it would be examined as part of the investigation.

The actor’s clarification comes after Chinnaiah filed a petition before the Karnataka High Court , alleging a larger conspiracy aimed at tarnishing the image of Dharmasthala. The petition reportedly mentioned Raj’s name and referred to a conversation between the two.

Raj said he later followed up with investigators and was informed that some of Chinnaiah’s claims did not match available evidence and that there were inconsistencies in his statements. Following that update, Raj said he considered the matter closed from his side and left it entirely to the authorities.

The actor also questioned why public debate was focusing on allegations involving him rather than concerns related to unclaimed bodies , the Sowjanya case , and reports that have emerged during the probe. He stressed that the focus should remain on finding the truth and delivering justice.

The controversy surrounding Dharmasthala intensified after allegations surfaced that several bodies, including those of women allegedly showing signs of sexual assault, had been buried in the region over the past two decades. Acting on information provided by Chinnaiah, the SIT conducted excavations at multiple locations near the Netravathi River , where skeletal remains were reportedly recovered from two sites.

Rejecting attempts to label him as “anti-Hindu,” Raj said criticism of the BJP or government policies should not be interpreted as criticism of Hinduism. Reaffirming his commitment to raising issues of public concern, he said transparency and accountability were essential for all institutions and organisations.

The Karnataka High Court has sought a status report from the state government and the SIT, with further proceedings in the case expected later this month.