Ashok accused Samir masterminding Mask Man plot, called for SIT/NIA probe
Opposition leader R. Ashok stressed that the key issue is not just the Mask Man but those orchestrating him, calling for a comprehensive investigation. Speaking about the SIT’s arrest of the Mask Man, Ashok described the case as a conspiracy that began with the Dharmasthala incident. He criticized the government for rushing to conclusions without proper inquiry and blindly trusting the Chief Minister’s progressive team.
Ashok said the SIT investigation failed to find any substantial evidence and urged the Chief Minister to have used better judgment. He highlighted that the sentiments of Dharmasthala devotees were deeply hurt and questioned whether Chief Minister Siddaramaiah could repair the damage caused by the government’s mistakes. Ashok claimed that if the Mask Man case had been properly investigated from the start, it would have been resolved by now.
He accused Samir of being the mastermind behind the Mask Man drama, manipulating others and controlling the progressive team. Ashok also alleged that Ananya Bhatt lied and that everyone involved had taken money. He questioned why the Mask Man received security greater than the Chief Minister for 25 days.
Further, Ashok claimed this is a political conspiracy aimed at creating unrest and diverting attention, targeting Hindus while the government focused only on vote banks. He blamed the Chief Minister for the rise in such cases and accused the police of wasting resources on trivial leads instead of proper investigation.
Calling this a historic farce in Karnataka, Ashok demanded that Congress apologize and urged handing over the investigation to the SIT or NIA, warning that refusal would imply Congress’s involvement. He also criticized the poor investigation into Ananya Bhatt’s disappearance, accusing the government of restricting the probe. Ashok insisted arresting the Mask Man alone is not enough and called for an SIT or NIA inquiry, urging the state government to allow the NIA to take charge.
