The BJP on Monday organised a massive rally in Dharmasthala, demanding a central agency probe into allegations of multiple murders, rapes, and burials in the temple town.

According to the saffron party, nearly one lakh people from across Karnataka took part in the demonstration, which it described as a show of solidarity against what it termed an "attempt to vilify the temple and its traditions".

The 'Dharmasthala Chalo' rally saw the participation of Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, former chief minister Sadananda Gowda, Leader of Opposition in the assembly R Ashoka, BJP state president B Y Vijayendra, MPs, and other senior leaders.