Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has dismissed the Dharmasthala mass burial claims as part of a calculated conspiracy to tarnish the temple town’s centuries-old legacy. Speaking on Thursday, Shivakumar alleged that the controversy stemmed from a single complaint by an unknown person and was being used to create unnecessary noise. “A conspiracy is being hatched. I don’t want to say right now who is behind it, but it’s a well-planned strategy to put a black mark on them,” he said. The Deputy CM added that he had urged action against those misleading the investigation, with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah sharing the same stance. He described the case as “an empty trunk” with no real evidence, stressing that neither he nor the government was for or against Dharmasthala.
Shivakumar expressed confidence that the investigation would eventually expose the truth, stating that the Home Minister would address the Assembly and present factual findings to the public. He urged people to refrain from spreading falsehoods about the matter and reiterated the government’s position that “law is not above anyone, and the law needs to be protected.” He also emphasised that devotion and heritage should not be compromised by politically motivated allegations. “If there’s a lie in this Dharmasthala issue, there will be action. That’s the government’s view,” he added, signalling that any baseless claims would be dealt with firmly.
Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka criticised the Congress government, demanding the identity of the masked man who led police to the excavation site be made public, and called for the case to be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Ashoka accused the authorities of wasting over ₹1 crore on the investigation, deploying heavy machinery, drones, and advanced tools without yielding results. He claimed the man, allegedly named Chinnayya and said to have converted to Christianity, was being given special treatment by the police despite no evidence being found. Ashoka further accused the government of targeting Hindu religious institutions, citing past controversies involving Tirupati, Shabarimala, and Shani Singnapur, and questioned the credibility of another complainant, Sujata Bhat, alleging her account was fabricated.
