Mangaluru — Health and Family Welfare Minister and Dakshina Kannada District In-Charge Dinesh Gundu Rao announced that Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara will make a statement in the Legislative Assembly on Monday regarding the Special Investigation Team’s (SIT) probe into the alleged mass burial case in Dharmasthala.
Speaking to reporters after Independence Day celebrations, Rao said the government’s priority was a “transparent and impartial investigation” to bring out the truth without any external influence. “Shouldn’t we investigate the allegations? The truth must come out. The Home Minister will decide the next course of action,” he said.
He accused the BJP of politicising the case and misusing religious sentiments. “The claim that the probe has tarnished the image of Lord Manjunathaswamy and the temple is baseless. The SIT’s work has no connection with Dharmasthala Kshetra, and the sanctity of the temple remains intact. Exhumations were not conducted within temple premises,” he clarified.
Rao alleged the BJP had shifted its stance — first demanding an SIT probe, then using it for political mileage when facts began surfacing. He also criticised the spread of misinformation, stressing that “exhumation does not diminish sanctity” and that devotees’ faith remains strong.
On the complainant witness revealing his identity despite being under protection, Rao said he was unaware of the details but trusted the SIT to investigate thoroughly. He noted the complexity of the exhumation process, particularly amid rain and forested terrain, and confirmed the SIT had full powers to act without interference.