Prakash Raj Denies Links With Chinnayya Over Dharmasthala Allegations

On Wednesday, actor Prakash Raj clarified his stance during a press conference at the Bengaluru Press Club. He stated that he has absolutely no connection with a man named Chinnayya, a former sanitation worker known as a masked individual in the context of the Dharmasthala case. Recently, Chinnayya alleged that Rs 200 crore came from Kerala to damage the reputation of the Dharmasthala shrine. He also claimed that Prakash Raj was aware of this matter.

Prakash Raj, who has appeared in movies like They Call Him OG in recent months, strongly refuted the allegations. He stated that he has never visited Dharmasthala in his life. He added that he has never met anyone associated with the temple administration.

He further explained how Chinnayya tried to contact him. A former police officer and current co-activist named Girish Mattannanavar called him. Girish said a man from Mandya wanted to speak with him and passed the phone. The man spoke in Tamil instead of Kannada and requested a meeting. The multi-lingual actor told the media that he declined the meeting and sent a voice note instead.

Feeling suspicious about the interaction, Prakash Raj informed IPS officer Pranab Mohanty, who leads the SIT. He noted that he was the first to request the then Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to order an investigation into the allegations against the temple. The government formed the SIT only after his request.

During the press meet, reporters grew angry when Prakash Raj made a comment about their alleged lack of honesty. Seconds later, he clarified that his words did not apply to everyone but only to a select few.

Prakash Raj demanded that he only wants a proper investigation and strict punishment for the culprits in the Sowmya murder and assault case