False claims in Dharmasthala case will invite legal action, says Parameshwara
special investigation team
(SIT) concludes that his allegations are unfounded.
His remarks came during a heated 30-minute debate on the case with BJP members accusing the govt of being complicit in efforts to defame the popular temple.
Responding to the opposition, Parameshwara, while insisting on the need for a fair and impartial investigation, said: "There should be no politics or religion involved. The truth must emerge within the framework of the law."
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The SIT is currently digging up several locations — identified by the complainant — along the banks of Netravathi river in Dharmasthala.
Skeletal remains were recovered from two sites. The complainant, a former sanitation worker whose identity is being protected, told a magistrate that between 1995 and 2014 he was forced to bury bodies — including those of women and minors — some allegedly bearing signs of sexual assault.
Updating the House on the investigation, Parameshwara said, "Police are doing their duty in the pursuit of justice, but that does not mean they will do everything the complainant says.
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There is a limit, and the truth will emerge in due course. If the claims are found to be false, there are provisions under the law, including Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), to punish those who make false allegations. No one can mislead the investigation.
"
Replying to BJP criticism, he asked, "What wrong has the govt done? What mistake have we made? We only want to uncover the truth. We have given the SIT a free hand. We haven't made a single phone call to the SIT chief because we want to know the truth.''
On BJP members questioning how many more sites SIT would dig up in connection with the case, Parameshwara said that there would be an end to the exercise soon.
Replying to BJP's accusations that the govt had joined hands with "national and international forces" to defame the temple under the pretext of an investigation, Parameshwara said: "This is not a situation where the police department acts solely on the directions of an unknown complainant.
Action will be taken if the complainant made false claims."
Parameshwara urged members of the House not to politicise or communalise the case. "Let me make it very clear — the govt did not form the SIT under pressure. Our focus is solely on uncovering the truth and ensuring justice. We have not bowed to pressure so far and will not do so in the future," he said.
Affirming his personal respect for Dharmasthala, the minister said, "Everyone on our side, including me, has great respect and devotion towards Dharmasthala, and I have visited the temple multiple times."
He highlighted that under Dharmadhikari Veerendra Heggade's leadership, the temple has championed women's welfare and provided education to thousands across India and abroad.
"Should such claims be allowed to linger?" Parameshwara asked. "Shouldn't the truth behind these allegations emerge? We formed the SIT to find the truth, so that those facing allegations are treated fairly."
Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar said the govt stood firmly with the Dharmasthala temple and its trust, and that the probe was intended to put all allegations permanently to rest.
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