Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Aug 15: Dakshina Kannada district in-charge minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said the Special Investigation Team (SIT) is conducting a transparent and impartial probe into allegations that multiple bodies were buried in Dharmasthala village. The home minister will respond on the investigation in the Assembly on Monday, he stated, adding that all facts will be revealed then.
Speaking to reporters after hoisting the national flag during the 79th Independence Day celebrations at Nehru Maidan here on Friday, August 15, Gundu Rao said chief minister Siddaramaiah and Home Minister Dr. G Parameshwara may also speak on the matter in the House. “There is nothing to hide. Whether it is the Darshan case or the Prajwal Revanna case, the truth must come out. If guilty, they must be punished; if innocent, they must not be harassed. The investigation is proceeding according to the seriousness of the allegations,” he said.
When asked about media reports that the complainant’s identity was being revealed through interviews, Gundu Rao said he was not aware of the complainant’s statements. “The police will take steps as per law. This case has drawn national and international attention. The allegations are serious, and a thorough investigation by senior officers will remove doubts. Ultimately, what matters is placing the truth before the public,” he remarked.
The minister said the government will act based on facts and evidence, not on various statements being made. He added that while a conspiracy cannot be ruled out, only the investigation can confirm it.
On how long the excavation will continue, Gundu Rao said it will be decided by the SIT. “It is not easy to dig in forested areas during the rains. The police are working responsibly despite difficulties, and they have been given a free hand without interference. The Home Minister will brief the House on Monday about the progress,” he noted.
He said that while he initially felt a local police investigation was sufficient, pressure from various organisations, including left-leaning groups, and even Dharmadhikari Veerendra Heggade’s own opinion that an SIT probe would be better, led to the decision. “If only local police had handled it, allegations of bias would have been made. Now, senior officers are investigating without pressure,” he explained.
Gundu Rao accused the BJP of seeking political gain from the issue. “For ten days, they were silent, and now they are trying to exploit it for political benefit. This is their old tactic — using religious matters for politics. The BJP and Sangh Parivar thrive on misinformation,” he said.
On whether the SIT will investigate other complaints, he said anyone can file a complaint, and the SIT will decide whether to pursue it. “When an issue gets this much attention, it is right for the state to appoint senior officers to investigate. Those who spread misinformation will do so over trivial matters, but truth will answer everything,” he asserted.
Regarding concerns that the reputation of the Dharmasthala temple is being tarnished, Gundu Rao said the investigation has nothing to do with the sanctity of the Manjunatha Swamy temple. “Excavation is taking place in the forest, not the temple premises. Devotees will not easily lose faith in the shrine. BJP is twisting facts to tarnish its image,” he said.