Steps will be taken to vacate the stay and continue the Dharmasthala case investigation: Dinesh

The High Court has given an interim stay on the investigation of Special Investigation Team (SIT) into the Dharmasthala mass burial issue. The SIT will take steps to get the stay vacated through its advocates and complete the investigation, said Dakshina Kannada district in charge Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao in Mangaluru on Saturday.

Talking to reporters, Mr. Rao refused to comment on the interim stay granted following a writ petition by Mahesh Shetty Thimarodi, Girish Mattennavar, T. Jayanth, and Vittala Gowda seeking quashing of the investigation. The four, who have been in the forefront seeking SIT investigation into mass burial complaint, filed the petition after SIT issued notices to them under Section 35(3) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Through these notices, issued after suspecting them of involved in the case in which complainant Chinnaiah has been arrested, they were asked to appear before the SIT Chief Investigating Officer.

Mr. Rao said there was no pressure or interference of the government on the SIT. The SIT has been asked to book all those involved in the case. The notices have been issued to those suspected to be involved in the case. The SIT has been discharging its duty well and it will continue investigation of the case.

Ruling out talks of change of Siddaramaiah as Chief Minister, he said Siddaramaiah will continue as Chief Minister. “Ultimately it is party high command which decides. There is no situation right now with the high command for change of Siddaramaiah.” Mr. Rao said Congress government was committed to realise all promises made in the manifesto.