Udupi (Karnataka), Aug 16 (NationPress) Amidst the ongoing political turmoil and debates, the Karnataka government has reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Dharmasthala pilgrimage site and has committed to taking action against those who have misled the authorities.

During a press briefing in Udupi, Women and Child Welfare Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar stated, “Our government is firmly with Dharmasthala. The anonymous complainant is fabricating countless false narratives. We will not tolerate those who have misinformed the government.”

“Dharmasthala is a revered location. There are efforts underway to tarnish its reputation. Despite the repeated excavations of burial sites, no credible evidence has been uncovered. The government will always support Dharmasthala,” she emphasized.

“A plethora of lies has been circulated on social media concerning the temple town. Subsequently, the BJP has seized upon these allegations, now expressing outrage. This issue has been discussed at both national and international forums. Those responsible for defaming Dharmasthala will face consequences,” Hebbalkar remarked.

“The investigation led by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) is ongoing. Numerous accusations have been levied against the government. To dispel rumors and false claims, Home Minister G. Parameshwara has established the SIT. This matter has been intentionally escalated, and it must conclude now,” she added.

“Let the BJP assert claims on various issues. The party is backing the anonymous complainant and the masked individual. The SIT has been constituted to resolve the ongoing theatrics surrounding this issue. As a devotee of Lord Manjunatha, I have unwavering faith in the hallowed Dharmasthala pilgrimage site. I fully support Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s statements,” Hebbalkar concluded.

“The government is dedicated and concerned. Dharmasthala is a location where 'Dharma' is honored. Let all actions that disgrace Dharmasthala cease,” she urged.

She also called for justice in the Sowjanya murder case and other incidents reported from Dharmasthala.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar declared on Friday that action will be taken against individuals promoting propaganda against the Hindu pilgrimage site Dharmasthala in relation to the alleged mass grave controversy.

“The government is contemplating measures against those who have lied and disseminated false information regarding the Dharmasthala case,” he confirmed.

Dy CM Shivakumar stated, “This issue is not about being for or against Dharmasthala. All procedures must be executed lawfully. I have closely observed Dharmasthala. I trust and have confidence in the devotion and reverence present there. I believe that in the upcoming days, the investigation will uncover the conspiracy involved. Regarding this matter, our Home Minister G. Parameshwara will present the facts to the Assembly.”

Meanwhile, the Karnataka BJP has initiated the ‘Dharmasthala Chalo’ campaign on Saturday morning to counter the alleged conspiracy surrounding the mass grave issue. The campaign commenced at the Nelamangala toll on Bengaluru's outskirts.

In a significant turnaround, on July 11, the anonymous complainant, a lower caste Hindu, alleged that he was coerced into burying several bodies of women and girls who had been raped and murdered in Dharmasthala village. He provided his statement before a court in Karnataka’s Mangaluru district.

The man recorded his account before the Principal Civil Judge and First Class Judicial Magistrate.

This development has ignited a substantial controversy.

He has requested that the police exhume the bodies in his presence. Despite excavating 17 burial sites, authorities have found no compelling evidence.

Retired Supreme Court judges and activists have called for a SIT investigation, overseen by either the Supreme Court or the High Court, into this alarming case, reportedly involving numerous women, girls, and destitute men.

While the state government has adhered to the rule of law and permitted an inquiry into the alleged mass murders, the Opposition BJP has accused it of succumbing to anti-Hindu influences and has demanded an interim report from the Home Minister.