Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar accused the BJP of politicizing the controversial Dharmasthala "multiple murders and burials" case, dismissing their "Dharmasthala Chalo" rally as a political stunt. The rally, where BJP members protested in the temple town against an alleged “smear campaign” targeting Hindu temples, prompted Shivakumar to claim, “BJP is engaging in politics, nothing else. They’re going to Dharmasthala for political gain, not conviction.”
Speaking to reporters, Shivakumar challenged the BJP’s silence when the initial complaint surfaced, stating, “Why didn’t they object when the SIT was formed? They demanded the probe, and now they’re criticizing it.” The Special Investigation Team (SIT), set up by the Congress-led state government, is probing serious allegations of murders, rapes, and burials in Dharmasthala spanning 1995 to 2014, based on claims by a former sanitation worker. The complainant, whose identity is protected, alleged he was forced to bury bodies, including those of women and minors showing signs of sexual assault, and gave a statement before a magistrate.
The SIT’s exhumations along the Netravathi River have uncovered skeletal remains at two sites, intensifying the investigation. Shivakumar emphasized the Congress’s commitment to protecting Dharmasthala’s honor, saying, “We don’t want to politicize this. Whoever is guilty should be punished, but the BJP would’ve criticized us for not investigating.” He refuted BJP’s claims of a “slander campaign” against Hindu temples, calling their demand for an interim report and action against the complainant a distraction.
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The BJP has accused the Congress government of mishandling the probe and failing to counter what they call a “toolkit” to denigrate Hindu places of worship. Shivakumar countered, “Hindutva isn’t their property—it’s every individual’s faith. My views on a conspiracy are personal, and we won’t interfere in the investigation.” He revealed that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, during internal Congress discussions, assured no injustice would occur, and legal action would be taken against those spreading false allegations, including claims targeting the CM himself.
As the controversy escalates, Congress MLAs had raised concerns early with the Chief Minister and Home Minister, but refrained from public statements due to their governing role. Shivakumar reiterated, “The investigation will proceed lawfully, and we’ll act against slanderers legally.” The Dharmasthala case continues to fuel political tensions, with both parties leveraging the issue ahead of upcoming elections.
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