BJP Calls for NIA Probe into Dharmasthala ‘Mass Burial’ Allegations, Announces Statewide Rally

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is demanding that the investigation into the alleged mass burial incident at Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala be transferred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Currently, the case is being investigated by a Special Investigation Team (SIT). The BJP has announced a large-scale ‘Dharmasthala Chalo’ rally scheduled for September 1. This event is intended to mobilize public support and pressure for an NIA probe. Speaking at a press conference, BJP Karnataka president and MLA BY Vijayendra stated that an NIA investigation would boost public confidence and ensure transparency. He urged the Hindu community across the state to participate in the rally to protest actions allegedly hurting Hindu sentiments and to push for an NIA investigation. Devotees are requested to visit local temples on September 1 to offer prayers and participate in processions before heading to Dharmasthala. A massive gathering is planned at Dharmasthala at 2:00 PM to raise awareness and issue a warning to the state government. The BJP state president asserted that the government’s handling of the Dharmasthala issue has damaged its reputation and that a thorough NIA investigation is crucial to expose the organizations and malicious forces behind the controversy. He cautioned that these forces could potentially target other Hindu temples. Vijayendra questioned the Chief Minister’s swift actions regarding the Dharmasthala issue, suggesting that the government should have gathered more information about the accuser and the organizations supporting them. He proposed that the state intelligence or police should have conducted a preliminary investigation before any decisions were made. Drawing a parallel with the Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede incident, Vijayendra accused the Chief Minister of making hasty decisions in the Dharmasthala matter. The complainant, who was arrested by the SIT and sent to custody, was found to have provided false information regarding the bones. Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara confirmed the arrest and stated that the police are investigating the network behind the case.