Will the Karnataka Government Take Action Against False Propaganda in the Dharmasthala Case?

Bengaluru, Aug 15 (NationPress) The Karnataka government announced on Friday that it will take action against individuals who engaged in false propaganda concerning the pilgrimage site Dharmasthala related to the alleged mass grave incident.

During a media briefing near the KPCC office, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar stated, “The government is contemplating measures against those who have lied and disseminated misinformation regarding the Dharmasthala case.”

When questioned about the situation, Dy CM Shivakumar remarked, “This issue is not about taking sides with or against Dharmasthala. All actions must be conducted in accordance with the law. I hold Dharmasthala in high regard and trust its traditions, reverence, and practices. I believe that the forthcoming investigation will unveil the conspiracy that has unfolded. Our Home Minister G. Parameshwara will provide the necessary information in the Assembly.”

When queried about a possible conspiracy, Dy CM Shivakumar responded, “The Home Minister will clarify this. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is also dedicated to this matter. In the Legislature Party meeting, CM Siddaramaiah emphasized that we must avoid insults and refrain from spreading misinformation through lies and conspiracies.

“CM Siddaramaiah has mandated that stringent action be taken against any false allegations. We will proceed accordingly. The law is universal, and we must uphold it. There will be no protection for anyone, nor will we tolerate unnecessary character defamation.”

“I am confident that Home Minister G. Parameshwara will present the truth in the Assembly on Monday (August 18). Our government’s stance is clear: no one should engage in conspiracies, lies, or bring dishonor to a religious site or its affiliates. If the claims are baseless, we are prepared to take decisive action regarding the Dharmasthala case,” emphasized Dy CM Shivakumar.

“We must safeguard the law. If someone has committed wrongdoings, they should be penalized. There is no question of shielding anyone in this matter. No one should partake in defamation,” he asserted.

“I have an understanding of Dharmasthala. It possesses a rich history spanning 800 years. It is a sacred place. No one should exploit its name or engage in conspiracies. Given my insights, this is a significant conspiracy. The government will undoubtedly take action against those who have misappropriated its name,” Dy CM Shivakumar declared.

“I can only confirm that the media reports are misleading,” he stated in response to a question.

In a significant turn of events, on July 11, an unnamed complainant, a lower caste Hindu, alleged that he was coerced into burying numerous bodies of women and girls who were reportedly raped and murdered in Dharmasthala village. He presented his testimony before a court in Karnataka’s Mangaluru district.

The individual made his statement in front of the Principal Civil Judge and First Class Judicial Magistrate.

This development has ignited a considerable uproar.

The complainant requested that the police exhume the bodies in his presence. Despite excavating 17 burial sites, authorities found no compelling evidence.

Retired Supreme Court judges and activists have called for a Special Investigation Team inquiry overseen by the Supreme Court or High Court into this shocking case, reportedly involving numerous women, girls, and destitute men.

While the state government has adhered to the rule of law and permitted an investigation into the alleged mass murders, the Opposition BJP accused it of capitulating to anti-Hindu forces and demanded an interim report from the Home Minister.