Thu Sep 04 13:41:34 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

A delegation of Hindu seers met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to demand a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into alleged mass burials in the temple town of Dharmasthala. The seers, representing the ‘Sanatan Sant Niyog’, believe Dharmasthala is being unfairly targeted. The opposition BJP and JD(S) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy also support an NIA investigation. Karnataka’s Home Minister G. Parameshwara, however, defends the existing Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe, stating the Centre must justify any takeover. Jain munis are planning a march to Dharmasthala for a special pooja.

**News Article:**

**Dharmasthala Mass Burial Case Sparks NIA Probe Demands**

**BENGALURU, September 4, 2025** – A delegation of Hindu seers, under the banner of ‘Sanatan Sant Niyog’, met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Thursday, demanding a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into allegations of mass burials in the temple town of Dharmasthala. The seers, led by Vachanananda Swamy, claim Dharmasthala is being unfairly targeted, similar to other Hindu temples like Tirupati and Sabarimala.

The demand for an NIA investigation comes amid mounting pressure from the opposition BJP and JD(S) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy, who also met with Minister Shah on Wednesday. Sources indicate the case is likely to be discussed in an upcoming Union Cabinet meeting.

However, Karnataka’s Home Minister G. Parameshwara defended the state’s ongoing Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe, stating the central government must justify any move to take over the investigation. “We formed an SIT to probe it,” Dr. Parameshwara remarked. “Now they are demanding that the matter be handed over to the NIA. Isn’t that an investigation too?” He added that the State government would consider complying with an NIA request if properly justified.

The SIT is currently investigating allegations of multiple murders and the burial of bodies in Dharmasthala. Dr. Parameshwara urged anyone with concerns about the SIT’s investigation to bring them to the government’s attention.

Meanwhile, adding another layer of complexity to the situation, Jain munis from across the State have announced plans to march to Dharmasthala on September 10 to offer a special pooja. The case continues to draw significant attention and raises questions about the roles of state and central investigative bodies.

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