Prakash Raj Denies Any Links with Dharmasthala Whistleblower

Prakash Raj has categorically denied having any connection with Chinnayya, the former sanitation worker who recently claimed to have buried bodies under suspicious circumstances in Dharmasthala. Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, the actor dismissed allegations that he was aware of claims regarding an alleged ₹200-crore conspiracy aimed at tarnishing the reputation of Dharmasthala. Prakash Raj clarified that he has never visited Dharmasthala and has never met any individuals associated with the temple or its administration.

The actor explained that a former police officer and current associate, Girish Mattannavar, had once connected him with Chinnayya over a phone call. According to Prakash Raj, Chinnayya spoke to him in Tamil and expressed a desire to meet him, but he declined the request and instead sent a voice note. He further stated that he had informed IPS officer Pranab Mohanty, who headed the SIT, about the conversation as he found Chinnayya’s conduct suspicious. Prakash Raj also said that he was among the first to demand an impartial investigation into allegations linked to Dharmasthala and the Soujanya case. During the interaction, he clarified that his comments about "sold-out media" were directed only at certain sections and not at the entire media fraternity.