Leader of the Opposition and BJP senior leader R Ashoka has welcomed the Karnataka government’s decision to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the shocking allegations involving mass burials in Dharmasthala. However, he cautioned against misusing the probe to malign religious institutions, particularly the Shri Manjunatha Swamy Temple.
Speaking at a press conference, Ashoka stressed that while a fair and thorough investigation is essential, false narratives and religious vilification must be avoided. “If someone is guilty, let the law take its course. But targeting a whole temple or faith is wrong,” he said.
Ashoka referred to a viral video uploaded by a former sanitation worker, which forms the core of the allegations. He noted that the Kerala government had taken interest in the matter, and drew parallels with the state’s previous handling of temple issues like Sabarimala, implying potential politicisation.
“If thousands of people were indeed killed, where are the families? Have they filed any missing complaints? These are questions the government must answer transparently,” he said, adding that routine deaths near religious places are investigated by police like in any other location.
The complaint, filed by K Parshwanath Jain, claims he was forced to dispose of hundreds of bodies between 1995 and 2014, many allegedly bearing signs of abuse and violence. He has submitted skeletal remains as evidence and named a Supreme Court advocate as custodian of sealed disclosures in case of harm.
Ashoka concluded by urging the SIT to remain focused and independent, with no political or religious bias, stating, “Punish the guilty—but don’t vilify the innocent.”