Bengaluru
Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwar on Friday said the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Dharmasthala case has not been given a fixed deadline to complete its inquiry. Emphasizing accuracy over speed, he noted that the SIT must function independently without political interference.
“The SIT is working as per its terms of reference. What matters is accuracy, not haste. If new leads or evidence arise, the team has full freedom to investigate them,” Parameshwar told reporters. He added that details of the probe cannot be disclosed until it is complete.
Rejecting opposition demands to hand over the case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the Home Minister clarified that there was no need for multiple agencies to run parallel investigations. “The SIT is already handling the matter, and the Dharmasthala trust has welcomed this. Hence, there is no scope for NIA involvement,” he said.
Responding to questions about alleged links between Soujanya’s case and the Dharmasthala issue, Parameshwar said the SIT would independently examine all such claims. “It is up to the SIT to verify the facts. The government will not interfere in its functioning,” he maintained.
Though no arrests have been made yet, the minister assured that forensic and other evidence is under review. “Action will follow based on findings. Speculation will not help the process,” he stressed.
The Dharmasthala case has gained political traction in recent weeks, with opposition parties pressing for quicker results and questioning the government’s handling of the matter.
