Chargesheet Sparks Political Firestorm as Court Examines SIT Report in Dharmasthala Case
The SIT, which is investigating the alleged secret burials in Dharmasthala, filed its report before the Additional Civil Judge on November 20
Mangaluru: The Additional Civil Court in Belthangady has posted to December 26 for orders on taking cognizance of the complaint report submitted by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Dharmasthala case.
The SIT, which is investigating the alleged secret burials in Dharmasthala, filed its report before the Additional Civil Judge on November 20. According to sources, the 3,900-page report has been filed under Section 215 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) against Chinnaiah, activists Mahesh Shetty Thimarody, Girish Mattannavar, Sujatha Bhat, Vittala Gowda and T. Jayanth.
While Chinnaiah is the whistleblower, others had made allegations against Dharmasthala.
The prosecutor representing SIT completed hearing on the report on Tuesday. The hearing was necessitated as per provisions of BNSS. The court will now decide on taking cognizance of offences related to giving false evidence, forgery, using evidence known to be false and fabricating false evidence against the six named in the SIT complaint report.
The report was submitted by the SIT after conducting the probe covering all angles, including the revised voluntary statement of sanitation worker Chinnaiah.
Meanwhile, the Dharmasthala issue echoed in Belagavi on Wednesday, where the state government is engaged in the Winter Session.
BJP state president BY Vijayendra told reporters that people were alleging that the probe had been influenced by “urban naxals” and individuals close to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
He said the ‘Burude Gang’ those who made allegations against Dharmasthala were now named in the chargesheet filed by the SIT.
“People believed the episode had caused an emotional blow to the sentiments of the people,” he added.
According to Vijayendra, people were asking why only the patradari (those directly involved) were being exposed, while the sutradhari (alleged masterminds) behind the episode “believed to be close to the Chief Minister” were not being investigated.
He demanded that the SIT trace those who allegedly financed and planned the plot.
Targeting the government further, he said the government should have known the truth behind the people who made allegations against Dharmasthala. “They were like supari killers,” he added.
He said the conspiracy extended beyond one gang and was aimed at hurting Hindu sentiments. “Even a common man can see who is behind this,” he remarked.
When asked about the Dharmasthala issue specifically that he had earlier stated a conspiracy had taken place, and now the chargesheet reportedly names the complainants themselves as the accused Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said that he knew about Dharmasthala.
“I knew that none of them associated with Dharmasthala would ever do such a thing. That is why I had the confidence to speak about this issue,” he said.
He added that he had not yet read the chargesheet. “Whatever action has to be taken under the law will happen. Ultimately, the truth has come out. This conspiracy took place because of the deep differences between the BJP and the RSS,” he said.
Speaking at the 94th Jayanti Mahotsava of Acharyaratna Sri 108 Bahubali Munimaharaj, Shivakumar referred to the issue.
“During Veerendra Heggade’s difficult time, I took a certain decision, and the entire Jain community across the country appreciated me for it.”
He said everyone had witnessed the conspiracy against Heggade. “The decision we took was questioned by national and state media and several leaders. I said then that I would not bow to pressure and that I was speaking from my experience and understanding.”
