Overview

• Home Minister G. Parameshwara told the Assembly the SIT paused fieldwork after recovering human remains at two locations and sending bone and soil samples to the Bengaluru FSL for DNA and chemical analysis.
• Soil from suspected sites is being tested to assess preservation challenges posed by acidic laterite conditions.
• Parameshwara said the complainant, a former sanitation worker whose allegations triggered the probe, is under witness protection and cannot be arrested at this stage.
• Debate in the Assembly turned heated as BJP leaders alleged the SIT was a Congress-driven conspiracy to tarnish Dharmasthala, while senior ministers urged members not to politicise the case or media coverage.
• Dharmadhikari Veerendra Heggade rejected the accusations as baseless and said he welcomed a thorough SIT investigation to settle doubts.