Daijiworld Media Network - Mysuru

Mysuru, Sept 2: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah ridiculed the BJP’s yatra to Dharmasthala, saying it is not a religious journey but a political one.

In a post on his social media account, Siddaramaiah said the Dharmasthala skull case is already being probed by the Special Investigation Team (SIT). “Now the BJP is demanding an NIA probe. Does that mean they do not trust our police?” he asked.

The CM pointed out that when the SIT was formed, no demand was made for an NIA probe. Only after the bodies could not be traced did BJP leaders start insisting on it, he alleged. “Even Dharmadhikari Veerendra Heggade welcomed the SIT probe, saying the truth must come out and doubts must be cleared. The SIT is investigating independently, and we have not interfered in any way,” he added.

Siddaramaiah criticised the opposition for politicising every issue. He also referred to the Soujanya case, noting that the BJP earlier demanded a CBI probe. “The CBI, which is under the central government, investigated and submitted its report. Now BJP wants to go to the Supreme Court. If there is an accusation against Veerendra Heggade in the Soujanya case, whose side is the BJP on? On one hand they claim to support Heggade, on the other they speak for Soujanya. Whose side are they really on?” he asked.

The CM also attacked opposition leaders R Ashoka and MLA Sunil Kumar for changing their statements regarding Chinnayya’s involvement. “One day they say one thing, the next day something else. This is what happens when discussions are based on falsehoods,” he remarked.

He further questioned why a woman who recently claimed to have witnessed Soujanya’s abduction 12 years ago did not speak up when the CBI was investigating. “Hiding the truth is also a crime,” he said.

On demands for a reinvestigation in the Soujanya case, Siddaramaiah said, “If required, let them go to court. I have not seen the judgment. The final decision must rest with Soujanya’s mother, not us.”