CM Siddaramaiah Criticizes BJP Over Dharmasthala Case Politicization

Mysuru, Karnataka, Sep 2 (PTI) — On Tuesday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah accused the opposition BJP of politicizing the Dharmasthala case, emphasizing that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) is independently probing the matter without governmental interference. The BJP, which has called for a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe, faces scrutiny from the CM regarding their faith in state police authorities, labeling the BJP's "Dharmasthala Chalo" rally as politically motivated. Siddaramaiah remarked, "This is not a Dharma Yatre, it is a political yatre," and further noted that even Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Veerendra Heggade endorsed the SIT investigation to dispel doubts.

The ongoing SIT probe remains autonomous, with the government remaining hands-off. "Let the truth come out and let people know the truth," Siddaramaiah asserted. The BJP's "Dharmasthala Chalo" rally on Monday criticized what they perceive as a campaign against the temple town. They have also condemned the Congress government’s management of the situation.

Addressing the BJP’s claims of foreign funding linked to the case, Siddaramaiah questioned the BJP's sources of financial backing. "BJP has funds to do all of this, but where is this money coming from?" he queried, cautioning against politicizing every issue. “They are doing it for politics. There is no truth in what they are doing or speaking,” he said regarding the BJP.

Siddaramaiah dismissed allegations from BJP leaders that CN Chinnaiah, the complainant, is involved in a Congress conspiracy, labeling such claims as false. Chinnaiah, who was later arrested for perjury, alleged the burial of several bodies, some showing signs of sexual assault, in Dharmasthala over two decades — pointing toward the local temple's administration.

The SIT, commissioned by the state, has already conducted excavations in the forested areas near the Netravathi River, where some skeletal remains were discovered. When asked whether the 2012 rape and murder of 17-year-old Soujanya in Dharmasthala would be reinvestigated, Siddaramaiah said the decision lies with the victim’s family, who would need to approach the court. "Under whom is the CBI? The central government led by BJP. They investigated this case previously. Now, it is the BJP suggesting her family approach the Supreme Court,” he alleged.

State BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra visited Soujanya's family and assured them of party support, including covering legal expenses should they choose to challenge the CBI court's verdict, which acquitted the main accused, Santhosh Rao, due to a lack of evidence. When questioned about a woman’s recent claim of witnessing Soujanya's kidnapping, Siddaramaiah commented on her absence during CBI investigations, stating that withholding evidence is an offense.

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