Action can be taken if Dharmasthala complainant’s claims are false: Minister Parameshwara
Bengaluru, Aug 14 (PTI): Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Thursday told the Legislative Assembly that action can be taken under the law against the complainant-witness in the Dharmasthala "mass burial" case if the Special Investigation Team finds his allegations to be false.
Emphasising a fair and impartial probe, Parameshwara said, "There should be no politics or religion involved. The truth must emerge within the framework of the law."
His remarks came during a discussion in the Assembly, where BJP legislators criticised the government for its handling of the investigation and inaction against what they called a "slender campaign" targeting Dharmasthala and the temple there.
They demanded an interim report from the government and action against the complainant and others allegedly behind him, claiming the allegations were part of a "toolkit to denigrate Hindu gods and their places of worship."
The SIT, formed by the state government, is probing claims of mass murder, rape, and mass burials in Dharmasthala over the past two decades.
The complainant, a former sanitation worker whose identity has not been revealed, alleged that between 1995 and 2014 he was forced to handle bodies—including women and minors—and that some showed signs of sexual assault.
He has given a statement before a magistrate.
As part of the probe, the SIT has been conducting investigation at multiple locations identified by the complainant-witness in the forested areas along the banks of the Netravathi River in Dharmasthala, where some skeletal remains have been found at two sites so far.
Parameshwara appealed to members, saying, "My only request is that this issue should not take political or religious turns. Let me make it very clear—the government did not form the SIT under any pressure. We have not bowed to pressure so far and will not do so in the future. Our focus is solely on uncovering the truth and ensuring justice."
He added that everyone on the ruling side, including himself, has great respect and devotion towards Dharmasthala, and he has visited the temple multiple times.
Highlighting Dharmasthala’s widespread reverence nationwide and globally, the minister noted that under Dharmadhikari Veerendra Heggade’s leadership, the temple and its institutions support women’s welfare and educate thousands of students.
"Shouldn’t the truth behind these allegations come out? Should such claims be allowed to linger? We formed the SIT to find the truth, so that those facing allegations are treated fairly," he said.
Responding to questions about the progress of the SIT probe, Parameshwara said, "The police are doing their duty in the pursuit of justice, but that does not mean they will follow everything the complainant says. There is a limit, and the truth will emerge in due course."
He added, "If the claims are found to be false, there are provisions under the law, including BNSS, to punish those who make false allegations. No one can mislead the investigation."
Hitting back at BJP criticism, Parameshwara asked, "What wrong has the government done? What mistake have we made? We only want the truth to come out."
He further emphasised the independence of the SIT, stating, "The government has given the SIT a free hand. We haven’t made a single phone call to the SIT chief because we want the truth to come out."
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Oppn, X users flag concerns over US envoy Sergio Gor’s visit to Army’s western command
New Delhi: A visit by the US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, to Chandigarh on Monday has triggered sharp criticism from opposition leaders and social media users, raising questions about national security and foreign policy.
On X, Ambassador Gor announced his visit, writing, “Just landed in Chandigarh. Looking forward to visiting the Western Command of the Indian Army.”
Just landed in Chandigarh. Looking forward to visiting the Western Command of the Indian Army
— Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) February 16, 2026
Soon after, opposition voices questioned the broader implications of the visit. Congress Kerala, in a post, commented, “Why so much panic? We’ve already seen Pakistan's ISI getting access to Pathankot Airbase with this government's blessings. Didn't they say then ‘Modi ne kiya ho to kuch soch samajh kar kiya hoga?’ Compared to that, this is very small.”
Why so much panic? We’ve already seen Pakistan's ISI getting access to Pathankot Airbase with this government's blessings.
— Congress Kerala (@INCKerala) February 16, 2026
Didn't they say then "Modi ne kiya ho to kuch soch samajh kar kiya hoga?"
Compared to that, this is very small. pic.twitter.com/gNNuAGQBPC
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi also weighed in, writing, “Since India’s national strategic interests are now tied to what US wants India to do, this visit seems to sync with that.”
She further added, “India’s history will remember the de-escalation announcement between India and Pak was announced on social media by the US President before Indians got to know from their own government. US Ambassador is doing the job for his nation, who is doing for us? The answer is blowing in the wind.”
Since India’s national strategic interests are now tied to what US wants India to do, this visit seems to sync with that. India’s history will remember the de-escalation announcement between India and Pak was announced on social media by the US President before Indians got to… pic.twitter.com/rYMq5NhJHA
— Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) February 16, 2026
The visit comes against the backdrop of the growing US-India defence partnership.
Writer and political analyst @rajuparulekar commented on ‘X’, “East India Company is back!”
“Is it allowed for an ambassador to visit any army unit in india?” asked another user.
Several X users expressed concerns over the appropriateness of the visit.
One asked, “Is it allowed for an ambassador to visit any army unit in India?” Another wrote, “Why an ambassador visiting our army places? To talk to Chandigarh lobby for F-35?”
Why an ambassador visiting our army places ? To talk to chandigarh lobby for f-35 ??
— Rohan Sagar (@RohanSagar03) February 16, 2026
“We have completely sold Indian sovereignty. Rothschild the evil Bankers will now control NSE. Modi sold Bharat Mata to Trump . And now American imperialist is visiting our army command . Scary,” wrote another user.
“The Indian Army isn’t part of geopolitics, so why is he interested in visiting there?,” opined another.
The Indian Army isn’t part of geopolitics, so why is he interested in visiting there?
— Aditya Pratap Singh (@Adi_IIMCIAN) February 16, 2026
On Sunday, Gor welcomed Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), highlighting efforts to expand the growing US-India defence partnership.
In a post on X, Gor wrote, “Delighted to have @INDOPACOM Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo in India to expand the U.S.-India defense partnership. Now is the time to strengthen vital cooperation between our two nations.”
On Monday, Admiral Samuel J. Paparo Jr visited the headquarters of India’s Western Army Command along with the American envoy Sergio Gor. The delegation was briefed on the formation’s capabilities, its past operations, and future plans.
The American delegation also visited Bengaluru, where they met three start-ups, two in the space sector and one in defence, and participated in an Indo-US conference.
