The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is requesting that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) take over the investigation into the alleged mass burial incident at Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala, which is currently being investigated by a Special Investigation Team (SIT). The BJP has announced a ‘Dharmasthala Chalo’ rally on September 1 to garner public support and push for an NIA investigation. During a press conference at the party’s state office, BJP Karnataka president and MLA BY Vijayendra stated that an NIA investigation would build public confidence and ensure transparency. He appealed to the Hindu community across the state to participate in the event, protesting actions that have allegedly hurt Hindu sentiments and demanding an NIA investigation. On September 1, devotees are encouraged to visit local temples, offer prayers, and join processions before heading to Dharmasthala. A large gathering is scheduled at 2:00 PM in Dharmasthala to raise awareness and to warn the state government. According to the BJP, the government’s handling of the Dharmasthala issue has damaged its reputation, and a thorough investigation by the NIA is essential to identify the organizations and malicious forces behind the controversy. The BJP also warned that such groups could target other Hindu temples. Vijayendra questioned the Chief Minister’s quick response to the Dharmasthala issue, saying the government should have first gathered more information about the accuser and the groups supporting them. He indicated that the state intelligence or police should have conducted a preliminary investigation before any decisions were made. Drawing a comparison to the Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede, Vijayendra accused the Chief Minister of acting too hastily in the Dharmasthala matter. The complainant, who was alleged to have been involved in the burial of bodies at the temple, was arrested by the SIT after it was discovered that the bones in question were of a man, not a woman. Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara confirmed the arrest and said that the police are investigating the network behind the case.
