Dharmasthala 'mass burial' case: BJP demands interim probe report

Bengaluru: The Opposition BJP on Tuesday demanded an interim report from the government on the ongoing investigation into the alleged mass burials at Dharmasthala.

Raising the issue during Zero Hour in the Assembly, BJP's V Sunil Kumar said a prominent Hindu religious centre was being targeted on social media on the pretext of the investigation.

"I welcome the investigation centered around Dharmasthala. But using the investigation as an excuse, Hindu religious centres are being ridiculed. In social media posts and statements being made by some people, we clearly see the intention to target Dharmasthala, which has had an impact on our faith and beliefs," Kumar, a former minister, said.

Kumar pointed out that the government's special investigation team (SIT) has not found anything concrete despite carrying out exhumations at multiple locations on the basis of a claim by an anonymous person. "How many more places will you dig? What have you found so far? Whoever is carrying out a smear campaign on religious beliefs must face action. The government must take cautious steps to protect the sanctity of Dharmasthala," he said.

Home Minister G Parameshwara said the government constituted the SIT in response to complaints and demands from people of that region. "The investigation is underway. It can't be indefinite. Yes, we can't dig hundreds of places. But at some point, the SIT will give us a report. Once that report comes, I can share more details," he said.

Senior BJP lawmaker S Suresh Kumar recalled Dakshina Kannada district minister Dinesh Gundu Rao's statement that the SIT was formed because of demands by left-wing groups even as the local police were capable enough. Rao said his government is impartial. "I said left-wing groups were among those who sought an investigation. There's nothing wrong with what I said," he said.

When Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka insisted that Parameshwara make a statement in the Assembly on Wednesday, the minister said he had nothing further to say. Sunil Kumar demanded an update on the investigation. "Tomorrow, somebody else will come and claim that he has a pit that needs digging. How long will this go on?" he said.

Sunil Kumar also speculated that the government would declare the anonymous complainant as "mentally unfit" a week from now. "By then, the damage would have been done."