Will the Karnataka Govt's SIT Expedite the Dharmasthala Case Investigation?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka's SIT has been instructed to expedite the investigation into the Dharmasthala murder case.
- Legal challenges surrounding activist Mahesh Shetty Thimarodi continue to unfold.
- The Karnataka High Court has intervened with an interim stay on Thimarodi's externment order.
- Public pressure for swift justice is mounting amid the ongoing investigation.
- Pending forensic reports may significantly impact the case's outcome.
Bengaluru, Sep 30 (NationPress) Karnataka's Home Minister, G. Parameshwara, announced on Tuesday that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) assigned to the Dharmasthala murder case has been urged to finalize the investigation promptly.
"Petitions are being submitted daily in relation to this case. This situation cannot persist indefinitely," he remarked.
During a press briefing in Bengaluru, Parameshwara responded to inquiries regarding the delay in apprehending those accused in the alleged Dharmasthala murder case.
The State Home Minister stated, "I am not familiar with the legal obstacles and have not discussed them. The SIT is making progress in their investigation. They are currently awaiting various reports. The latest samples have been dispatched to the laboratories, and results are anticipated soon."
"We have instructed the SIT to conclude their probe swiftly. Given that petitions are being filed daily, it has been decided that this matter needs resolution," he emphasized.
When questioned about activist Mahesh Shetty Thimarodi's arrest, Parameshwara responded, "We must operate within legal boundaries. Externment orders have been issued against him, and he has challenged these in court. We need to await the court's ruling. Any arrest or legal measures against him will adhere to the law. The state government cannot intervene or provide directives in this matter. We cannot insist that the investigation wraps up within a day or two. It requires thorough information gathering to reach a conclusion. The forensic science laboratory reports are still pending."
Mahesh Shetty Thimarodi has been a prominent figure in protests against the temple authorities concerning the alleged Dharmasthala murder case.
Meanwhile, the Karnataka High Court has granted an interim stay on the externment order against activist Mahesh Shetty Thimarodi.
The hearing related to this matter has been postponed to October 8.
Issuing an interim stay on the externment order, the High Court has also sent notices to the respondents.
The court has mandated that the notices be distributed.
Thimarodi had submitted a petition to the Karnataka High Court seeking to annul the externment order.
Justice C.M. Poonacha, presiding over the single-judge bench, heard the petition and issued the interim order.
Thimarodi had identified the Karnataka government, Puttur Assistant Commissioner, Bantwal Deputy Superintendent of Police, and Belthangady Inspector as respondents in this case.
The activist sought an immediate interim stay on the externment order and its cancellation.
On September 18, Puttur Assistant Commissioner Stella Varghese ordered Thimarodi's externment to Raichur.
The order specified that Thimarodi was to be externed for one year, from September 18, 2025, to September 17, 2026.
The public prosecutor filed objections before the Principal District and Sessions Judge in Mangaluru regarding Thimarodi's petition for anticipatory bail in an arms case.
The SIT team investigating the Dharmasthala case discovered unlicensed arms at Thimarodi's residence during a search operation.
Advocate Dinesh Hegde Ulepady asserted that the case was initiated without any prima facie evidence under the provisions of the Arms Act.
Following Thimarodi's counsel's argument, the public prosecutor requested an adjournment for further argument/reply.
Consequently, the case was postponed to October 4 for the government side's argument.