Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara robustly defended the state’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the controversial Dharmasthala case, dismissing calls for a National Investigation Agency (NIA) investigation. Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Parameshwara questioned the rationale behind demands from religious leaders and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to transfer the case, involving allegations of multiple murders and secret burials in the temple town of Dharmasthala, Dakshina Kannada district, to the NIA.
Parameshwara emphasized that the state government constituted the SIT, led by Director General of Police Pronab Mohanty, to thoroughly investigate the grave claims, which surfaced after a former sanitation worker, C N Chinnaiah, alleged he was coerced into burying numerous bodies, including those of women showing signs of sexual assault, between 1995 and 2014. Chinnaiah was arrested for perjury on August 23, 2025, after forensic analysis revealed inconsistencies in his evidence, including a skull identified as a 40-year-old lab specimen. Despite this, the SIT has continued its probe, excavating 17 sites, with skeletal remains found at two locations along the Netravathi River.
The minister challenged critics to highlight specific shortcomings in the SIT’s investigation, stating, “If there are any lapses, they should be brought to our notice.” He added that the NIA would need to provide clear justification for taking over the case, indicating the state’s reluctance to relinquish control without compelling reasons. On the issue of alleged foreign funding linked to NGOs, Parameshwara noted that such matters fall under central government jurisdiction, with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) already probing potential violations by NGOs like Odanadi and Samvada.
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Addressing the SIT’s summoning of Uday Jain, Parameshwara clarified that the team was acting on informant-provided details, though he refrained from disclosing specifics until the investigation concludes. He also dismissed claims of a reinvestigation into the 2012 rape and murder case of 17-year-old Soujanya, stating that the SIT was exploring potential links without labeling it a reinvestigation. Regarding intelligence inputs about NGO meetings post-Soujanya’s case verdict, he clarified that intelligence matters are handled by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Parameshwara addressed the politicization of the case, noting the BJP’s “Dharmasthala Chalo” rally on September 1, 2025, and a subsequent Congress rally as responses to each other. He remarked, “Lord Manjunatha Swamy belongs to everyone, but why did the BJP go only after the issue surfaced? It’s obvious there is politics behind it.” He emphasized that the SIT’s objective is to uncover the truth without targeting any individual or institution, including the temple administration led by Veerendra Heggade, who has supported a transparent investigation.
As the SIT continues its rigorous probe, Parameshwara stressed the government’s commitment to a swift and fair investigation, urging patience until the final report is submitted to ensure justice for the allegations that have shaken Dharmasthala’s spiritual legacy.
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