What’s Next for the Dharmasthala Case? SIT Team Heads to Delhi for Searches

Bengaluru, Sep 1 (NationPress) In a significant turn of events, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) delving into the case of a mass grave is gearing up for a trip to Delhi as part of its investigation. The accused complainant Chinnaiah, often referred to as the “masked man,” has disclosed that he transported a skull to Delhi and met several individuals during his visit.

As reported on Monday, the SIT has already conducted raids on the homes of activists who support him and is now preparing to journey to Delhi.

Chinnaiah’s ally, T. Jayanth, also mentioned that their group traveled to Delhi in a vehicle alongside Chinnaiah and the skull. Subsequently, they proceeded to Dharmasthala, where they filed a complaint regarding the supposed mass murders.

Sources indicate that the SIT team will likely execute searches in Delhi and interrogate those who interacted with the complainant and provided him with guidance in this case.

This development is particularly noteworthy as the BJP is asserting that the Karnataka government established the SIT under pressure from the Congress leadership.

Currently, SIT officials are continuously questioning the complainant and are expected to request an extension of his police custody, which is nearing its conclusion.

Chinnaiah, who claimed that numerous murders, rapes, and burials occurred in Dharmasthala over the last twenty years, was taken into custody on August 23 by the SIT formed to investigate these allegations.

Meanwhile, all arrangements have been finalized for the 'Dharmasthala Chalo' rally, which is set to commence later today.

The state BJP unit insists that this is not a political event, and there will be no BJP flags or slogans present.

Led by State President B.Y. Vijayendra, along with Opposition Leaders R. Ashoka and Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, various MLAs and MPs visited the Dharmasthala Manjunatha temple this morning to offer special prayers.

After the prayers, Vijayendra addressed the media, stating, “The BJP is not politicizing this event. Had we intended to exploit this situation for political gain, we would have taken action when the SIT was initiated. Instead, we chose to wait patiently until the investigation unfolded and the truth emerged. Our goal is to reveal the underlying influences behind the propaganda.”

He further remarked, “The state government failed to act legally despite systematic propaganda targeting the revered Dharmasthala shrine. When the situation escalated to a point where countless devotees were becoming impatient, the BJP organized this event to criticize the government for its inaction.”

BJP senior leader and MLA S.R. Vishwanath stated that for the past fortnight, rallies have been converging in Dharmasthala from across the state. “We will conduct a Shobha Yatra from the Manjunatha temple to the event site. Our leaders will speak about the conspiracy and announce resolutions,” he articulated.

“The SIT is undertaking the investigation into the alleged mass grave case competently. However, we are advocating for a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to uncover the potential international conspiracy. Even PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi has shown support for an NIA investigation. The public across the state has turned against the Karnataka government concerning this matter,” he asserted.