Why is CM Siddaramaiah Questioning BJP’s Position on the Dharmasthala Case?

Mysuru, Sep 2 (NationPress) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah strongly condemned the Dharmasthala Chalo rally and the recent visit of BJP leaders to the family of the late Soujanya. He challenged the BJP to clarify their support — is it for Dharmadhikari Veerendra Heggade of Dharmasthala or for Soujanya’s grieving family?

It is essential to remember that Soujanya, a minor, was allegedly kidnapped, gang-raped, and murdered by individuals linked to the temple authorities.

During a media briefing in Mysuru on Tuesday, Siddaramaiah remarked, “The Dharmasthala Chalo is not merely a religious gathering; it is a political event. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is currently looking into this matter, yet the BJP shows a lack of faith in our police by calling for a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Don’t they trust our police force?”

He further pressed, “Did the BJP call for an NIA investigation from the start? They only began demanding it when no bodies were discovered during the excavation.”

Referring to Veerendra Heggade’s comments, Siddaramaiah pointed out, “What did Heggade say? He has welcomed the inquiry. So why continue to demand it? The very individual against whom the allegations are made has welcomed the investigation, insisting that the truth must emerge to dispel the shadow of suspicion.”

“We are facilitating the probe and are not intervening. The investigation is being carried out impartially. Let the truth be revealed for public knowledge,” he added.

Addressing the allegations of foreign funding, Siddaramaiah stated, “BJP leaders have received money from abroad. If the BJP is engaging in these activities, where is their funding coming from? Politics should not be injected into every situation. The opposition can criticize, but it shouldn't politicize every issue.”

When asked about the foreign funding allegations, the Chief Minister expressed uncertainty. “The investigation will clarify this,” he said, labeling the claims as false.

Regarding the BJP delegation's visit to Soujanya’s family, Siddaramaiah questioned, “Which authority oversees the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)? The CBI has already conducted its investigation and submitted a report in Soujanya’s case. Now, these same BJP leaders are urging Soujanya’s family to approach the Supreme Court. In this case, who is the BJP truly supporting? They claim to side with Heggade while simultaneously backing Soujanya’s family.”

“The CBI probe, which operates under the central government, has already taken place. If they wish to appeal to the Supreme Court, that choice lies with Soujanya’s family. But the question remains: whose side is the BJP on? They cheer for Heggade while pitting Soujanya’s family against him. Whose side are they really on?” Siddaramaiah pressed.

He maintained that the issue is steeped in politics. “The SIT is investigating the matter. Let the truth prevail,” he stated.

In response to claims that the Congress had elevated the complainant “mask man” Chinnaiah, Siddaramaiah remarked, “What did the opposition leaders express in the Assembly? Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka and State General Secretary V. Sunil Kumar brought up the matter. They should stop making new claims daily. Their assertions are unfounded and filled with falsehoods.”

“When discussions are rooted in untruths, such situations arise. If anyone had evidence, it should have been presented to the CBI. Concealing evidence is an offense,” he added in response to a question.

In a significant turn of events, the BJP delegation, led by State President B.Y. Vijayendra, visited Soujanya’s family on Monday in Dharmasthala, assuring them that the Karnataka BJP unit stands by the family of the gang-rape and murder victim. The family and activists allege that 17-year-old Soujanya was kidnapped, gang-raped, and brutally murdered.

This visit holds great importance as the family accuses temple authorities of being responsible for their daughter's death, with activist groups campaigning against the temple leadership.

After the visit, Vijayendra informed reporters that if Soujanya’s family submits a special leave petition to the Supreme Court regarding the alleged gang-rape and murder case, the BJP will cover all associated costs.

The appalling incident of Soujanya’s gang-rape and murder occurred on October 10, 2012, near Pangala, close to Dharmasthala, an esteemed Hindu pilgrimage site in Mangaluru district. Soujanya, a 17-year-old student in Class 12 at Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatha College, was reportedly kidnapped while heading home after class, and her body was later found in a nude state. The initial investigation was carried out by the jurisdictional Belthangady police before being transferred to the CBI. One Santhosh Rao has been arrested in connection with this case.

However, on July 16, 2023, the CBI Special Court acquitted the accused Santhosh Rao, criticizing the investigation and prosecution for incorrectly framing him. The court also recommended actions against police officials and others for mishandling the case. Subsequently, the CBI filed an appeal with the Karnataka High Court challenging the acquittal of the accused in this high-profile case.