"Let's not do politics over religion, we are neither for nor against Dharmasthala": DK Shivakumar

The Deputy CM maintained that he was neither for nor against Dharmasthala, but for justice.

Speaking to reporters at his Sadashivanagar residence, Shivakumar said, "The BJP was sitting on the fence regarding this issue. They have started talking after I raised the angle of conspiracy."

Shivakumar was responding to a reporter who drew his attention to the fact that he raised the conspiracy angle first.

"We are neither for them (Dharmasthala) nor against them. We are for justice. We are only saying that we should not do politics in matters of religion. The family of the Dharmasthala victims spoke to the CM and appreciated the formation of the SIT. The investigation is ongoing. The CM and the Home Minister have clarified in the legislative assembly that the government would take action against the culprits irrespective of their position," the Deputy CM said.

"I had faith from the beginning. Even the religious leaders welcomed the investigation. Action should be taken against those who did wrong," he added.

When asked about his meeting with AICC General Secretary Randeep Surjewala, he said, "Don't we need to prepare for the local body elections? We are holding meetings to allocate responsibilities. We can't ignore the court's order on elections."

When asked about his Bihar visit, he said, "Congress Janadhikar March is going on in Bihar, and we would like our MLAs to witness that. The CM has also been invited and he will visit on another day."

The Belthangady Court on Saturday sent the complainant in the Dharmasthala case to 10 days of Special Investigation Team (SIT) custody. The SIT is investigating the Dharmasthala mass burial case.

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara told reporters that police are investigating to unearthen the network behind the case and confirmed the arrest of the complainant.

"It is true that he (the complainant) has been arrested, he is in police custody, cannot give any information as the investigation is ongoing. Officers will continue the investigation, and I will get more information from the SIT. I cannot give more information until the investigation is completed. What network is behind this will be found," Parameshwara said.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Legislative Council Leader of Opposition (LoP) and BJP MLC Chalavadi Narayanaswamy suspected the possibility of a "bigger conspiracy" to "defame" Hindu temples. (ANI)