Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara urged the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Dharmasthala murder case to wrap up its work quickly. He made the comments during a press interaction in Bengaluru on Tuesday, pointing out that daily petitions in the case are dragging things out too long.
“I am not aware of the legal hurdles, and I haven’t discussed them,” Parameshwara told reporters when asked about delays in arresting suspects. “The SIT investigation is moving forward. They’re waiting on reports from various tests, including fresh samples sent to labs recently. We expect those results soon.”
He stressed the need for speed, adding, “We’ve directed the SIT to finish the probe fast. Every day, new petitions come in, and this has to end.”
The case has drawn attention due to protests led by activist Mahesh Shetty Thimarodi against Dharmasthala temple authorities. When asked about Thimarodi’s possible arrest, Parameshwara emphasized following the law. “Externment orders are out against him, and he’s challenging them in court. We have to wait for the court’s ruling. The state government can’t interfere or rush things. Investigations need time to gather facts, and we’re still awaiting forensic lab reports.”
In a key update, the Karnataka High Court granted an interim stay on Thimarodi’s externment order on Tuesday. The hearing is now set for October 8. Justice C.M. Poonacha, on the single-judge bench, issued notices to the respondents and directed their service.
Thimarodi had filed a petition to quash the order, naming the Karnataka government, Puttur Assistant Commissioner, Bantwal Deputy Superintendent of Police, and Belthangady Inspector as parties. He sought an immediate stay and full cancellation.
The externment came from Puttur Assistant Commissioner Stella Varghese on September 18, ordering Thimarodi to leave for Raichur for one year—from September 18, 2024, to September 17, 2025.
Meanwhile, in a related arms case, the public prosecutor filed objections on Tuesday to Thimarodi’s anticipatory bail petition before the Principal District and Sessions Judge in Mangaluru. The SIT found unlicensed arms at Thimarodi’s home during a search tied to the Dharmasthala murder investigation.
Advocate Dinesh Hegde Ulepady, representing Thimarodi, argued the case lacks prima facie evidence under the Arms Act. After hearing from Thimarodi’s side, the prosecutor requested time to reply, and the court adjourned the matter to October 4 for the government’s arguments.
The Dharmasthala murder case continues to stir debate in Karnataka, with ongoing probes and court battles keeping everyone watching closely.
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