Dharmasthala / New Delhi — A formal grievance submitted through the Central Government’s CPGRAMS portal has raised serious concerns about the handling of the Dharmasthala mass murder case. The petitioner has urged the Ministry of Home Affairs to transfer the case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), citing international dimensions and obstruction by senior Karnataka political figures.
Allegations Against Senior Karnataka Ministers
The complaint specifically names:
- Chief Minister Siddaramaiah
- Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar
- Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara
These leaders have been accused of interfering in the investigation, obstructing justice, and protecting individuals believed to be connected to the Dharmasthala temple administration.
Central Government Involvement
The Ministry of Home Affairs has assigned the case to its Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Radicalization (CTCR) division. Abhijit Sinha, Additional Secretary at North Block, is reportedly overseeing the preliminary review.
While the case is yet to be officially transferred to the NIA, the complainant argues that the nature of the crime—including the discovery of mass graves, the alleged involvement of minors, and potential cross-border implications—warrants investigation under international protocols such as the SAARC treaty.
Complainant’s Testimony
The grievance was filed by a person identified as Bheema, who stated:
“Either the NIA should probe this matter or assist the SIT. The original FIR at Dharmasthala Police Station suggests this could amount to genocide. The Union Government should not protect the temple administration.”
Bheema expressed trust in NIA Director General Sadanand Date, citing his record and ability to conduct a neutral probe.
Praise for SIT Leadership, But Concerns Remain
While officers like DGP Pronab Mohanty and IPS M. N. Anucheth have been praised for their integrity, the complainant claims that they are unable to operate freely due to interference from compromised segments of the local police and medical departments—many of whom are directly associated with the ongoing Special Investigation Team (SIT).
Rising International Attention
The grievance mentions growing international interest in the case, including recent coverage by the South China Morning Post (SCMP). The complainant warns that any failure to act could damage India’s international credibility, particularly given the involvement of children and allegations of mass killings.
Retired IPS officer Julio Ribeiro has also commented on the matter, stating:
“Sadanand Date has functioned as a senior police officer in very difficult times, when loyalty to the party in power takes precedence over the Constitution and the law... He overcame poverty, entered the IPS by merit, and upheld values of truth and justice.”
According to Ribeiro, a joint investigation led by NIA DG Sadanand Date and the SIT could help uncover the truth.
Status of SIT Activities
The SIT, formed on July 19, 2025, continues to conduct field operations in Dharmasthala, including exhumation activities where skeletal remains have already been discovered. On Thursday, the SIT is expected to conduct a ground survey before further excavation.
Pending Decision on NIA Involvement
The case remains under preliminary review at the CTCR division of the Union Home Ministry. A formal decision on the transfer to the NIA is still awaited.
Public Demands for Justice
The petition and supporting statements underline a growing public demand for a high-level, transparent investigation free from political interference. The complainant urges the Union Government to act decisively to prevent further erosion of public trust in law enforcement and constitutional institutions.
Thanks for reading the article, read out articles for more such articles.
