Dharmasthala case: One phone call taken out of context, says Prakash Raj

Actor Prakash Raj at a press conference in Bengaluru on Wednesday. | Photo credit: special arrangement

Actor Prakash Raj on Wednesday clarified his stand on the controversial Dharmasthala case, stressing that he had no involvement in the matter apart from a phone call that is now being taken out of context.

The clarification came days after reports emerged of Chinna CN, alias Chinnaiah, 50, a central figure in the Dharmasthala mass burial case, mentioning Mr Raj’s name in a plea filed in the Karnataka High Court, where it was said to be a minor mention.

According to the actor, Chinnaiah contacted him after the SIT started its investigation. He spoke in a mixture of Tamil and Telugu and expressed fear and anxiety about his situation, the actor recalled. “My reply was straightforward. I encouraged Chinnaiah to come forward with the truth if it is real,” Mr Raj said.

“I told him that if what he has is true, he should speak openly about it. I said that the officer investigating the case is a good officer and that the truth coming out would be a relief for everyone,” said Raj.

The actor reiterated that Chinnaiah had assured that there was nothing to worry about as long as he was honest and that he personally had no interest in the matter.

The actor claimed the brief exchange constituted his entire involvement and said it should not be construed as “influencing the investigation” or “leading” any individual. He added that his sole intention was to promote transparency and promote due process.

Mr. Raj said that activist Girish Mattannavar had spoken to him about developments in the matter and that he had immediately passed the information on to Pronab Mohanty, head of the SIT probing the Dharmasthala case. “Mr. Mohanty advised me not to participate in random calls or unverified claims without proper investigation,” he said.

He urged the public not to communalise the issue and said questioning allegations and demanding accountability should not be mistaken for an attack on religion or belief.

Published – 18 Jun 2026 00:06 IST