A recent police report from the Superintendent of Police in Dakshina Kannada District has unmasked a disturbing network of people impersonating Human Rights Commission officers, all in the name of meddling with the Dharmasthala temple controversy.

The investigation, forwarded to the Karnataka State Human Rights Commission, identifies key suspects such as John Simon from Bengaluru and Madan Bugudi of Hubballi. These individuals allegedly exploited the commission’s name to pressure officials, spread misleading stories, and undermine trust in the revered Dharmasthala shrine.

Complaint and false representation

On 26 August 2025, the Kannada daily Kannadaprabha ran the headline:

“Rowdy sheeter among fake Human Rights Commission officers who came to the police station with Girish Mattanna.”

Acting on this, the Human Rights Commission took up the matter suo motu under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. This opened the door to a full-fledged investigation by the Belthangady Police.

The inquiry revealed that Girish Mattanna, while accompanying activist Mahesh Shetty Timarodi to the Belthangady Police Station, brought several associates. Among them was Madan Bugudi, dressed in a formal coat, who claimed to be an officer of the Human Rights Commission. But police verification found no record of any such role. Instead, Bugudi was identified as a notorious rowdy-sheeter from Hubballi, one already publicly showcased by the Hubballi Police Commissioner in a roll call of known criminals.

John Simon and the fake human rights network

The investigation then turned to John Simon, who was also present during these events and likewise claimed to be part of the Human Rights Commission.

According to the police report, Simon has been operating in Bengaluru on the basis of forged human rights credentials. He has allegedly threatened police officers and extorted money under the pretense of offering "protection." His sphere of influence reportedly includes a private church he runs in Doddaballapura, where he functions as pastor, and an NGO he registered under the name “Human Rights Anti-Corruption Social Justice Commission.”

Simon is said to have approached ordinary citizens, promising he could “help if police tortured them,” weaving a network of manipulation and extortion. Numerous public complaints have since surfaced, urging authorities to take criminal action against him.

Described as a self-styled pastor misusing the language of human rights, John Simon has brazenly manipulated people and confronted governmental authority. He has done so under fake credentials, and yet law enforcement took a long time to respond.

The report also states that a formal complaint by Praveen K.R. (son of Ram Gudigar, Kattadabailu Mane, Dharmasthala village, Belthangady taluk) has been forwarded to the Belthangady Police Inspector to begin formal legal proceedings.

Attempt to defame Dharmasthala temple

On 30 August 2025, Girish Mattanna and Madan Bugudi turned up at the Belthangady Police Station and held a press meet, claiming to be devotees of Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala.

But the police report reveals their true goal: to disturb social harmony, provoke unrest, and soil the religious image of Dharmasthala. Bugudi misled media personnel by presenting himself as a human rights officer — under false credentials — damaging the integrity of the real commission.

The report also finds that Girish Mattanna and Mahesh Shetty Timarodi worked closely with bloggers and social media activists — including one Mohd Sameer — to propagate false narratives against the temple authorities.

Legal action and case registration

With the investigation complete and a formal complaint in hand, the Belthangady Police have launched definitive legal measures in the Dharmasthala matter. They have registered Criminal Case No. 100/2025 under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, demonstrating serious intent to prosecute.

The charges include:

• Section 204 — destruction of evidence

• Section 319(2) — impersonation of a public servant

• Section 353(2) — obstructing lawful duty

• Section 3(5) — aggravated misuse of authority

These legal provisions together underline that the accused allegedly acted with deliberate intent to mislead authorities, obstruct justice, and exploit official systems for their own ideological and personal agendas.

A first progress report has already been submitted to the Chief Minister of Karnataka, confirming that the investigation continues under the close watch of Dakshina Kannada District Police. The report emphasizes that misuse of human rights credentials will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent.

Police findings highlight that the accused — especially John Simon — consistently impersonates officials, interferes in investigations, and exploits the human rights banner for selfish motives.

Given his Christian church ties, bogus NGO registration, and pattern of targeting Hindu religious institutions like Dharmasthala, authorities suggest a possible conversion-linked motive. They recommend rigorous legal and administrative action to block such fraudulent human rights operatives, who aim to manipulate faith-based disputes and weaken Hindu institutions.

Around the Dharmasthala matter lies a complex web of deceit. Genuine devotees such as Chinniah (alias Maskman) and Sujatha Bhat were scapegoated to protect the propaganda machinery driven by Girish Mattanna and Mahesh Shetty’s network. Supported by figures like Sameer Mohammad and other repeat offenders, the group tried to push a fabricated narrative against one of Karnataka’s most sacred Hindu institutions.

At first, even some Hindus were taken in by their deliberate claims. But the truth, as it emerged, revealed a calculated conspiracy led by fake human rights activists and a Christian pastor, John Simon, who posed as a Human Rights Commission officer. His role raises serious questions: What link does a Christian pastor have with temple affairs? Is there a broader conversion agenda behind this plot? Are outside communist or ideological forces from Kerala pushing a hostile narrative against Dharmasthala?

These are not random acts. They appear to be systematic propaganda attacks on Hindu Dharma. In such times, unity, awareness, and steadfast defense of sacred institutions are crucial against such deceptive tactics.