What Will K'taka BJP Demand from CM Siddaramaiah about Mass Grave Case?

Bengaluru, Aug 11 (NationPress) The Karnataka BJP has raised concerns regarding the mass grave allegations and the Dharmasthala murders case, confirming their intent to seek answers from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during the current Monsoon Session of the Assembly.

During a press briefing in Bengaluru on Monday, BJP state President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra welcomed the establishment of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) tasked with investigating these allegations. He stated, "The formation of the SIT was a hopeful step not only for the BJP but for the citizens of Karnataka, who expect a fair and transparent inquiry."

"Currently, the focus appears limited to excavation activities. The situation demands clarity, as it pertains to the faith and sentiments of millions, which should not be compromised. There appears to be a deliberate attempt to undermine these beliefs. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah must respond to these issues," Vijayendra insisted.

BJP MLC C.T. Ravi expressed that the matter will be addressed in the Assembly. "The Dharmasthala pilgrimage holds immense significance for countless devotees. Certain groups are spreading misleading narratives and propaganda. YouTubers attempting to damage its reputation must face legal action. They make bold claims without any substantiating evidence," he argued.

Ravi further questioned, "Concerning the unknown complainant and the masked individual, Bheema -- where has he been until now? Investigative agencies should prioritize examining him. To validate his claims, a narco-analysis test should be conducted. The Karnataka Home Minister should issue a suo motu statement or publish an interim report regarding the SIT's findings in this case," he demanded.

The Karnataka legislature's Monsoon Session is set to run for nine days from August 11 to 22.

On the other hand, State Home Minister G. Parameshwara mentioned that he has noted various comments related to the case. "It would be premature to make any statements while the SIT investigation is still ongoing," he commented. "We have also authorized the SIT to initiate complaints independently rather than relying on public submissions to local police stations, which would then be transferred to the SIT," he added.

Minister for Transport Ramalinga Reddy affirmed that the investigation is being conducted with transparency by competent officers appointed by the government. "It is inappropriate to comment further until the investigation concludes," he remarked.

On July 11, an unidentified complainant, who alleged he was coerced into burying the bodies of women and girls who had been raped and murdered in Dharmasthala, presented his statement in a Mangaluru district court. He requested that the bodies be exhumed in his presence and claimed the victims showed clear indications of sexual assault. According to him, the bodies were discovered unclothed and bore signs of severe violence.

Following these claims, a retired Supreme Court judge and several activists have called for a Supreme Court or High Court-monitored SIT investigation into the alleged Dharmasthala murders, which may involve numerous women, girls, and vulnerable men.

Additionally, the whistleblower reportedly handed over a skull, allegedly retrieved from one of the burial locations, to the SIT.

On August 7, Home Minister Parameshwara verified that the SIT investigating the alleged mass grave case in Dharmasthala has recovered a male skeleton and human bones from designated burial sites, which have been forwarded to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL).

He stated, "The complainant has indicated that he buried bodies at 13 different sites. Based on his information, the SIT has excavated these areas. At the sixth site, a male skeleton was found, while the 13th site has yielded no findings as of yet. In addition, several bones were discovered at a new location."

"All these factors are being thoroughly evaluated, and the human remains are being examined at the Forensic Science Laboratory," HM Parameshwara confirmed. This marks the first official announcement regarding the discovery of human remains in the alleged Dharmasthala murders case.