Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar said that the government of Karnataka is contemplating action against those who carried out a ‘misinformation campaign’ against the pilgrim town and its authorities.
After 16 days of exhumation in Dharmasthala by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) yielded little evidence about mass burials, as claimed by the complainant, who is a former sanitation worker, Mr. Shivakumar had on August 14 joined the BJP’s chorus that the case was a ‘big conspiracy’ to tarnish the pilgrim town and its authorities.
On August 15, he said the government was contemplating action against those who carried out, what he called, a ‘misinformation campaign’ against Dharmasthala.
Speaking to mediapersons at the KPCC office in Bengaluru, he said, “This is not about being for or against Dharmasthala. The process must be as per the law. I have known Dharmasthala closely, and I have faith in the place. I firmly believe that the conspiracy will be exposed in the days to come. The Home minister will present the facts about this case in the House.”
Asked if there was a conspiracy, he said, “The Home minister will explain it in detail. The Chief Minister is committed to bringing out the truth and has warned against any conspiracy to tarnish the image. Law is the same for everyone. There is no attempt to protect anyone. No one’s reputation must be tarnished.”
