Dharmasthala murders: Not possible to seek time-bound SIT report, says Karnataka home minister
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Bengaluru: Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara on Saturday said it would not be possible to direct the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged Dharmasthala mass murder case to submit its report within a fixed timeframe.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Parameshwara said the government had only urged the SIT to expedite the investigation. “We have only asked the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to expedite the probe into the alleged Dharmasthala murder case. It is not possible to ask them to submit a report within a fixed timeframe,” he said.
He added that the direction of the probe was still unclear. “If the investigation is completed early, the report will be submitted accordingly. Otherwise, the SIT will continue probing the case until they reach a conclusion,” he stressed.
The minister reiterated that while the probe should be completed quickly, the SIT would take its own decisions. “The SIT is conducting the investigation. Until the probe is complete, neither they nor we are supposed to make any comments. All we can say is that the investigation should be expedited,” he said, adding that the government would not issue directions to the SIT.
On the complaint regarding the alleged gang rape and murder of student Sowjanya in 2012, which was also filed with the SIT, Parameshwara said the team would examine the matter and decide accordingly.
Asked about rallies by the BJP and JD(S) in Dharmasthala and the case taking a political turn, he remarked, “Whatever the case may be, we cannot ask the SIT to complete the probe by next week.”
On demands for a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe, he said, when such demands are made, people must understand that an investigation is already under way and there are no objections to it. “Even the Dharmadhikari of Dharmasthala has welcomed the probe. I have made it clear that there is no necessity for an NIA probe.”
Parameshwara also clarified that he had no information on reports that complainant Chinnaiah had been brought to Bengaluru. “I don’t have any information about that. The SIT does not act based on my directions or anyone else’s statements. They will follow due procedure. Excavation samples have been sent for forensic analysis, and we are yet to receive the report. We don’t know what the report will reveal,” he said.
He declined to comment on statements made by others regarding the case.
On a separate query about Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar not accompanying Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to Bihar, Parameshwara dismissed speculation of discord. “More than the Deputy CM, Shivakumar is our State Party President. He has his own respect and standing. He is not a newcomer. He is capable in every way. It is incorrect to say that Shivakumar is being isolated,” he said.