Prakash Raj Refutes Links to Chinnayya Over Dharmasthala Allegations in Bengaluru
Actor Prakash Raj has officially denied any involvement with a man named Chinnayya regarding allegations against the Dharmasthala shrine. He clarified that he reported suspicious contact to the SIT and continues to push for a fair investigation into related cases.
Highlights
- •Prakash Raj denied any connection to Chinnayya, a figure involved in allegations concerning the Dharmasthala shrine.
- •The actor confirmed he has never visited Dharmasthala and has no links to the temple administration.
- •Prakash Raj reported the suspicious interaction to IPS officer Pranab Mohanty, who leads the SIT.
- •The actor emphasized his demand for a thorough investigation into the Sowmya murder and assault case.
Renowned actor Prakash Raj has formally addressed the public regarding recent controversial claims connecting him to an individual known as Chinnayya, who has been linked to allegations surrounding the Dharmasthala shrine. During a press conference held at the Bengaluru Press Club, Prakash Raj unequivocally denied any association with the former sanitation worker.
Clarifying the Allegations Against Prakash Raj
The controversy emerged following statements made by Chinnayya, who alleged that a substantial sum of Rs 200 crore had been funneled from Kerala with the intent to harm the reputation of the Dharmasthala temple. Chinnayya further claimed that the actor was privy to these alleged activities. Prakash Raj, known for his prolific work in films including They Call Him OG, strongly refuted these claims, asserting that he has never visited Dharmasthala in his life and has no acquaintance with anyone connected to the temple’s administration.
Detailing the nature of the interaction, the actor explained that he was contacted by Girish Mattannanavar, a former police officer and co-activist. According to Prakash Raj, he was handed the phone to speak with a man from Mandya who communicated in Tamil rather than Kannada. After the caller requested an in-person meeting, the actor declined the request and opted to respond with a voice message instead.
Request for Official Investigation
Expressing deep suspicion regarding the nature of this outreach, Prakash Raj confirmed that he proactively informed IPS officer Pranab Mohanty, who is heading the Special Investigation Team (SIT), about the incident. The actor reminded those present that he was the original complainant who urged the then Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to authorize a formal probe into the temple-related allegations, leading to the eventual formation of the SIT.
During the briefing, a tense moment occurred when reporters took offense to remarks made by Prakash Raj concerning journalistic integrity. The actor quickly clarified that his comments were not directed at the media collective, but rather at specific individuals. Concluding the conference, he reiterated his commitment to justice, demanding a transparent and thorough investigation into the Sowmya murder and assault case, insisting that all guilty parties must face appropriate legal consequences for their actions.
