Mysuru
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Monday said the government cannot interfere in the functioning of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Dharmasthala mass burial case. He ruled out the possibility of transferring the case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and urged political leaders not to politicise the sensitive issue.
Addressing the media in Mysuru, Parameshwara stressed that the SIT is working in accordance with the law. “Who are we to dictate to the SIT on how to investigate the case? The police will act as required by law. I cannot decide whether a narco-analysis test is needed or not. The SIT is investigating properly,” he said.
He clarified that the SIT cannot be compelled to follow a fixed deadline. “It is not possible to set a timeframe for investigations. I have only asked them to complete the probe at the earliest,” he added.
On opposition rallies like ‘Dharmasthala Chalo’, Parameshwara remarked that leaders may visit the Manjunatha temple but advised them against using the issue for political gains.
Responding to objections over Booker Prize winner Banu Mustaq inaugurating Mysuru Dasara, he said the state festival transcends caste and religion. “Didn’t Mirza Ismail and poet Nisar Ahmed take part earlier? Dasara belongs to everyone,” he asserted.
On allegations of corruption in the police department by former minister Sa Ra Mahesh, Parameshwara said, “If he has evidence, let him file a written complaint. We will investigate.”
