Will the Karnataka Government Direct the SIT Regarding Dharmasthala Mass Grave Allegations?

Bengaluru, July 21 (NationPress) Karnataka's Home Minister G. Parameshwara stated on Monday that the government will not provide any directives to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the Dharmasthala mass grave allegations, which have surfaced claiming that numerous women and girls were allegedly raped and murdered.

Dharmasthala is recognized as a significant Hindu pilgrimage destination in Karnataka.

During a press briefing in Bengaluru, Parameshwara remarked, "Let’s await the investigation. We won’t issue any instructions to the SIT personnel. One SIT officer met me formally. After the investigation is initiated, they will fulfill their duties."

Addressing reports regarding two IPS officers potentially withdrawing from the SIT, he mentioned that no such occurrences have happened. "I am unaware of that. They are senior officials in important roles and will execute their responsibilities. They haven’t indicated to the government or to me about any plans to leave the SIT," he added.

Parameshwara continued, "Who called for a comprehensive inquiry? Numerous local residents and progressive intellectuals have requested it. A complaint has been filed, alleging that bodies were disposed of. We need to uncover the facts through a legitimate investigation."

"Making statements without a solid foundation is legally inappropriate. In this regard, an investigation has been launched. We are yet to know the results. If the investigation shows that the allegations are baseless, we will inform the public accordingly," he emphasized.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, when queried about the establishment of the SIT, remarked, "There is an ongoing discussion regarding this matter. The Home Minister is managing the issue, and highly experienced officers have been appointed to the SIT. The truth will emerge post-investigation."

When asked if the SIT was created to deflect attention from the matter, he responded, "Regardless of our actions, the BJP will oppose it."

In response to questions about the abrupt formation of the SIT following the Chief Minister’s statement that a decision would rely on local police findings, he stated, "When the media highlights an issue prominently, shouldn’t we also respect the media? In a democratic system, ensuring justice for society is a shared obligation. We must heed your concerns and the suggestions from opposition parties."

The management of the Dharmasthala temple has welcomed the investigation into the mass grave allegations by the SIT. The government announced the SIT's formation on Sunday.

The SIT is led by senior IPS officer Pronab Mohanty, DGP of the Internal Security Department, along with DIG (Recruitment) M.N. Anuchet, DCP (City Armed Reserve) Sowmyalatha, and Jitendra Kumar, Superintendent of Police in the Internal Security Department.

On July 11, an unidentified complainant, who claimed he was forced to bury several bodies of women who were raped and murdered in Dharmasthala village, appeared before a court in Karnataka’s Mangaluru district and provided his statement.

The individual recorded his statement under Section 183 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) before Principal Civil Judge and First Class Judicial Magistrate Sandesh K.

He requested the police to exhume the bodies in his presence and sought protection for himself and his family.

According to his statement, he fled Dharmasthala 11 years ago.

He further alleged that the bodies of the women exhibited clear signs of sexual assault. They were discovered without clothing or undergarments and bore injuries indicative of violent acts. These disclosures have shocked the state.