The Karnataka Assembly turned stormy during Zero Hour on Tuesday when BJP legislators raised concerns over the Dharmasthala mass burial case, linking it to alleged attacks on Hindu shrines in the pilgrimage town.
BJP’s Sunil Kumar questioned the ongoing search operations, pointing out that several pits had been excavated but yielded nothing. “How many more pits will you dig? You can’t keep doing this based only on someone’s word,” he argued, demanding periodic updates on the investigation.
Home Minister G Parameshwara clarified that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted following a formal complaint and that the inquiry was still in progress. “We cannot keep digging endlessly. Once the report is ready, I will respond. I cannot provide answers mid-investigation,” he said. His remarks triggered protests from BJP members, who insisted on revealing the “anonymous” complainant’s identity.
Former minister S Suresh Kumar accused Congress leader Dinesh Gundu Rao of earlier stating that the SIT was set up due to “leftist influence.” Intervening, Speaker UT Khader assured that a debate on the issue would be allowed the following day.
Later, Dinesh Gundu Rao defended his position, asserting, “We are not aligned with any ideology—left or right. Our commitment is to justice, and the truth must prevail.” BJP leader R Ashoka pressed for the promised discussion, escalating tensions and leading to a noisy session.