SIT probe: Ashok suspects conspiracy to bring Dharmasthala Temple under focus

Even though he welcomed the probe by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) into the mass burials in Dharmasthala, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R. Ashok said he suspects a conspiracy behind media reports bringing Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple under focus in the process.

Speaking to reporters in Mysuru on Monday, Mr. Ashok said certain “unseen hands” were complicating the investigation into the matter.

While the temple authorities too have welcomed the probe, Mr. Ashok said he would go a step further and ask Chief Minister Siddaramaiah himself to head an investigation into the matter. For, the “gang of progressives” will reject the SIT’s probe report if it is not in their favour.

“We want this probe to be conducted and the culprits brought out. Let the investigation bring out the truth,” he said, while taking exception to media reports that seek to portray Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple negatively.

While Mr. Ashok claimed that the complainant was a Muslim and the Kerala government was behind it, sources said that the complainant was not a Muslim. Multiple sources have confirmed that the complainant is a Hindu from the Scheduled Castes (SC) community.

However, since he is now given protection under the Witness Protection Scheme 2018, his identity cannot be revealed, the sources added.

Meanwhile, former Minister M. Shivanna addressed a press conference in Mysuru on Monday and sought an investigation into the background of the “anonymous individual”, who has come forward after 30 years claiming to have buried hundreds of bodies in Dharmasthala. “It is imperative to investigate this person’s background and who is behind him,” said Mr. Shivanna, while expressing concern over the efforts to make baseless allegations against the Dharmasthala or Veerendra Heggade.

Though a fair and impartial investigation must be carried out if any such crimes had indeed occurred at Dharmasthala and strict action must be taken against the culprits, Mr. Shivanna said it was also important to protect the sanctity of the revered pilgrimage centre like Dharmasthala and ensured that its reputation is not tarnished by baseless allegations.