The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is calling for the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to take over the investigation of the alleged mass burial incident at Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala, currently under the scrutiny of a Special Investigation Team (SIT). The party has announced a ‘Dharmasthala Chalo’ rally on September 1, designed to mobilize public backing and advocate for an NIA investigation. Addressing a press conference, BJP Karnataka president and MLA BY Vijayendra stated that an NIA investigation would bolster public trust and guarantee transparency. He urged the Hindu community throughout the state to participate in this event, expressing opposition to actions that have allegedly offended Hindu sentiments and demanding an NIA investigation. On September 1, devotees are asked to visit local temples, offer prayers, and participate in processions before assembling at Dharmasthala. A large gathering is scheduled for 2:00 PM in Dharmasthala to raise awareness and issue a warning to the state government. The BJP asserted that the government’s handling of the Dharmasthala issue has damaged its credibility, and a thorough investigation by the NIA is crucial to uncovering the organizations and malicious forces behind the controversy. The party warned that these forces may target other Hindu temples. Vijayendra criticized the Chief Minister’s quick response to the Dharmasthala issue, suggesting that the government should have first gathered more information about the accuser and the organizations supporting them. He proposed that the state intelligence or police should have carried out a preliminary investigation before any decisions were made. Drawing parallels with the Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede, Vijayendra accused the Chief Minister of making hasty decisions in the Dharmasthala matter. The complainant, who was arrested by the SIT and sent to custody, was found to have provided misleading information regarding the bones. Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara confirmed the arrest and stated that the police are working to expose the network behind the case.
