Udupi, August 19, 2025: Kota Srinivas Poojary, Member of Parliament from Udupi-Chikmagalur, has formally requested Union Home Minister Amit Shah to initiate an Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation into alleged foreign funding received by a “Muslim YouTuber” and associates attempting to tarnish the reputation of the Dharmasthala Manjunatha Swamy Temple in Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka. In a letter dated August 19, 2025, Poojary expressed concerns over a conspiracy targeting the revered 800-year-old Hindu temple, which he claims is being fueled by external financial support.

Poojary’s letter points to statements by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who acknowledged a conspiracy against the temple, and Dakshina Kannada’s district in-charge minister, Dinesh Gundu Rao, who noted that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed under pressure from Left-wing groups to probe allegations of mass burials based on an anonymous complainant’s claims. He criticized the Karnataka government, led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, for endorsing the SIT probe, which has led to excavations near sacred sites like the Bahubali statue, causing distress among devotees.

The MP highlighted reports suggesting that a Muslim YouTuber and associates, allegedly receiving foreign funds, are orchestrating a campaign to defame the temple. Additionally, he alleged that a Tamil Nadu politician is pressuring the Congress high command to undermine Hindu faith in Karnataka. Poojary urged the ED to probe these financial links to uncover the truth and protect the temple’s sanctity, emphasizing the need to maintain communal harmony in the region.

This request follows widespread public and political reactions, including protests by the BJP and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), who have also called for investigations into the alleged conspiracy. The issue has sparked debates in the Karnataka Assembly, with demands for a transparent probe to safeguard the temple’s reputation.