Should the Centre Investigate Foreign Funding Claims in the Dharmasthala Murders?

Bengaluru, Sep 4 (NationPress) Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara expressed on Thursday that the allegations related to foreign funding in the mass grave case necessitate examination by the Central government.

This remark comes amidst escalating demands from the BJP, JD(S), and Hindu organizations to transfer the case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

According to sources, the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) is actively collecting details on foreign funding and monitoring the bank accounts of activists opposing the temple authorities.

While addressing reporters in Bengaluru, Parameshwara stated, "When allegations of foreign funding arise, they must be investigated by the Centre. The state government is not equipped to handle such issues. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is currently looking into the burial of bodies in Dharmasthala. If any gaps are identified, we can contemplate further actions."

He continued, "The justification for NIA's involvement in the investigation must be solid. However, the state government will not play a role in this matter," he added.

Criticizing the recent Dharmasthala Yatra led by BJP, JD(S), and leaders from his own Congress party, Parameshwara remarked, "God Manjunatha is not confined to any particular community. The deity allows devotees to visit freely. Anyone can come to Dharmasthala for darshan. But why have these campaigns only emerged after the Dharmasthala case gained attention? It raises questions about whether they are trying to restore Dharmasthala’s reputation or their own."

He added, "BJP and JD(S) leaders previously undertook this yatra. Now, why are Congress leaders doing it? Their actions seem politically motivated, especially since they are responding to the BJP's earlier yatra."

"One can only speculate about their intentions before the deity," he maintained.

On the investigation concerning the Soujanya rape and murder case, Parameshwara stated, "I am unaware of the basis on which the SIT is investigating the case. They might have gathered substantial information. One of the accused, Uday Jain, has possibly been summoned by the SIT."

He further clarified, "Although the SIT's terms of reference for the Dharmasthala case do not include the Soujanya case, there could be connections that need to be explored. Otherwise, the investigation will be incomplete. Someone might have provided cross-references. I am not suggesting this is a re-investigation of the Soujanya case."

When asked about Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy's request to Union Home Minister Amit Shah to assign the Dharmasthala case to the NIA, he responded, "He may have made that request. Initially, they opposed the SIT but are now calling for an NIA inquiry. The investigation will remain unchanged."