Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Thursday told the Legislative Assembly that action can be taken against the complainant-witness in the Dharmasthala “mass burial” case if the Special Investigation Team (SIT) finds his allegations to be false.
"There should be no politics or religion involved. The truth must emerge within the framework of the law", the miniter further added.
His remarks came during a discussion in the Assembly, where BJP legislators criticised the government’s handling of the investigation and alleged inaction against what they called a "slender campaign" targeting Dharmasthala and the temple there.
The legislators demanded an interim report and action against the complainant and others allegedly behind him, claiming the allegations were part of a "toolkit to denigrate Hindu gods and their places of worship." The SIT, formed by the state government, is probing claims of mass murder, rape, and mass burials in Dharmasthala over the past two decades.
The complainant, a former sanitation worker whose identity has not been revealed, alleged that between 1995 and 2014 he was forced to handle bodies—including women and minors—and that some showed signs of sexual assault. He has given a statement before a magistrate.
Parameshwara appealed to members, saying, "My only request is that this issue should not take political or religious turns. Let me make it very clear—the government did not form the SIT under any pressure. We have not bowed to pressure so far and will not do so in the future. Our focus is solely on uncovering the truth and ensuring justice." He added that everyone on the ruling side, including himself, has great respect and devotion towards Dharmasthala, which he has visited multiple times.
Highlighting its widespread reverence nationally and globally, he noted that under Dharmadhikari Veerendra Heggade’s leadership, the temple and its institutions support women’s welfare and educate thousands of students.
"Shouldn’t the truth behind these allegations come out? Should such claims be allowed to linger? We formed the SIT to find the truth, so that those facing allegations are treated fairly," he said.
Responding to questions on the probe, Parameshwara said, "The police are doing their duty in the pursuit of justice, but that does not mean they will follow everything the complainant says. There will be an end to it, and the truth will eventually come out."
He added, "If the claims are found to be false, there are provisions under the law, including BNSS, to punish those who make false allegations. No one can mislead the investigation."
Hitting back at the BJP's criticism, Parameshwara asked, "What wrong has the government done? What mistake have we made? We only want the truth to come out." He further emphasised the autonomy of the SIT, stating, "The government has given the SIT a free hand. We haven’t made a single phone call to the SIT chief because we want the truth to come out." BJP MLA Sunil Kumar accused the government of showing "sympathy" towards those making allegations and questioned its silence amid the social media campaign targeting Dharmasthala.
He demanded a narco analysis test (it is used in investigations when other evidence fails to provide a clear picture of the case) for the complainant and questioned the involvement of SDPI, foreign channels, and Congress’s agenda in the case.
Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said "politics should not be played" in connection with the case and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to Dharmasthala’s philosophical and religious work.
"We have faith in Dharmasthala, Dharmadhikari, and their work," he added.
Leader of Opposition R Ashoka called for revealing the identity of the complainant-witness, who reportedly always wears a mask, and those behind him. He demanded a CBI or NIA probe into the alleged conspiracy, claiming "foreign funds were involved in the social media campaign against Dharmasthala."
Senior BJP MLA Suresh Kumar questioned why the SIT has not taken the complainant into custody.
He also noted that an advocate has written to the Kerala legislature seeking a resolution on the Dharmasthala case and requesting Kerala police assistance, raising further questions about possible links.
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