Governor Seeks Probe Into Rs 10 Crore Harihar Panchamasali Grant Allegations

The Karnataka Governor office has asked the state government to look into allegations surrounding the use of Rs 10 crore in government assistance provided to the trust associated with the Harihar Veerashaiva Lingayat Panchamasali Mutt in Davanagere district.

The complaint concerns money released for construction related works, including a student hostel and community hall. Those who raised the allegations have questioned whether the government funds were used for the purposes for which they were sanctioned.

According to the latest reports, the Governor office has written to the Chief Secretary seeking an appropriate investigation and a report on the allegations. The matter has therefore moved beyond the stage of a complaint and is now expected to be examined by the concerned government authorities.

The controversy is centred on the trust at the Panchamasali Mutt located near Hanagawadi in Harihar taluk. A government grant of Rs 10 crore was reportedly released through the Department of Backward Classes Welfare for construction of facilities intended for students and the wider community.

Members of the Muttada Lekka Kodi Chaluvali Samiti have questioned how the grant was spent. The group has alleged that the amount was not properly utilised and has called for a detailed investigation into the financial transactions and construction work.

The group had earlier approached authorities with its concerns. Recent reporting said the committee alleged that the Mutt had received Rs 10 crore from the Backward Classes Welfare Department along with additional funds from other government departments. It claimed that questions remained over a substantial portion of the money and sought a higher level investigation.

The complaint was also taken to the Governor. Parameshwara Gowda, who heads the Muttada Lekka Kodi Chaluvali Samiti, and former Harihar MLA H S Shivashankar were among those who raised concerns and sought scrutiny of the government grants.

The Governor office has now responded by directing the state administration to examine the allegations. A letter from the Governor’s Special Secretary R Prabhakar to the Chief Secretary has reportedly asked for appropriate action and a report on the matter.

The allegations include questions about documentation connected with the expenditure and construction works. The complainants have sought verification of whether the sanctioned money was released and spent according to government conditions.

Another important part of the complaint relates to the progress of the construction projects. The allegations suggest that there were concerns about the work completed at the site compared with the amount of money released.

These claims have not yet been established through a final investigation. The purpose of the proposed inquiry will be to examine the available records, government sanction documents, expenditure details, construction progress and other relevant material before determining whether any irregularity took place.

The controversy comes against the backdrop of an ongoing dispute over financial accounts and administration within the Panchamasali institutions. Earlier in 2026, discussions were held among community leaders regarding differences involving the Harihar and Kudalasangama Panchamasali Peethas, including questions concerning accounts and administration.

The latest complaint has added another layer to those wider discussions. The focus of the government inquiry, however, is expected to remain on the specific allegations concerning public money and the projects for which the funds were sanctioned.

Government grants given to educational, community and other institutions are generally subject to conditions regarding their utilisation. Records relating to expenditure and completion of approved works can therefore become important when allegations of financial irregularities are raised.

For the Harihar Panchamasali Mutt trust, the next stage will depend on the investigation ordered following the complaint. Officials will need to examine the relevant financial records and supporting documents before reaching any conclusions.

The complainants have demanded accountability if any misuse of government funds is established. They have also sought recovery of money if an investigation finds that public funds were improperly used.

The case has attracted attention in Davanagere because the allegations involve a sizeable government grant and a prominent religious and community institution. The Governor office’s direction has now placed the matter before the state administration for further examination.

At this stage, the allegations should not be treated as proof of wrongdoing. The investigation and verification of records will be necessary to establish what happened to the funds and whether the sanctioned projects were carried out according to the applicable rules.

The government response and findings of the inquiry will determine the next course of action. Until then, the Rs 10 crore grant issue remains a matter of allegations, complaints and calls for greater transparency in the use of public funds.