Mangaluru, 4 Sept

Pontiffs of various Mutts from across Karnataka, under the banner ‘Sanatan Sant Niyoga,’ called on Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Thursday, seeking an investigation into the Dharmasthala case by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

According to Rajashekarananda Swamiji, the delegation on Wednesday discussed the ongoing Dharmasthala controversy, wherein the now arrested whistle blower had claimed that he has buried hundreds of bodies, including those of women with signs of sexual assault.

Speaking to PTI, the Swami, after returning from Delhi on Thursday, said Shah has assured the delegation that all developments were being closely monitored and that a decision would follow a Cabinet meeting.

"We apprised the Union Home Minister of Dharmasthala, and are delighted with his assurance. Our delegation tried to impress upon him about a larger ploy by some well-connected vested interests inside India and outside to bring bad name to the Hindu temples of faith and religion with an intention of instilling insecurity and fear among the devotees," the pontiff said.

"We demanded an NIA investigation into the controversy," he added.

Shah also indicated plans for new legislation aimed at curbing misinformation and hate speech against religious institutions, urging the leaders to assist in public sensitisation efforts, the religious leader said.

According to the pontiff, the Union Minister said that the Enforcement Directorate is probing claims of foreign funding to YouTubers who are allegedly spreading misinformation.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has questioned content creators, which is a good beginning, the pontiff said.