Minister for Revenue Krishna Byre Gowda has stated that as a Minister, he would believe that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Dharmasthala ‘burials’ case was doing a fair job, and the government would act based on their findings.

Answering a question on Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s statement on the case, Mr. Byre Gowda said in Hassan on Friday that he did not know the context in which Mr. Shivakumar made such a statement. “I don’t know the background of his statement. Being a Minister, I can only state that I believe the SIT is doing a fair job. Nobody has found any fault with its work so far. If it finds anybody’s involvement in the case, we will act accordingly. And, if nothing substantial is found, the matter ends there,” he said.

The Deputy Chief Minister had alleged that there was a conspiracy to tarnish the image of Dharmasthala, and said that there was nothing in the case.

The Revenue Minister opined that the statements about the issue might impact the functioning of the SIT. “Let the SIT complete its duty. I don’t think it will take many more days,” he said.

Regarding the removal of K.N. Rajanna from the cabinet, Mr. Byre Gowda clarified that the issue was between Mr. Rajanna and the party. “The party has taken a decision and we respect it. Mr. Rajanna is my well-wisher. I am told he would meet party leaders in Delhi and discuss the issue,” he stated.

Mr. Byre Gowda, who is also the Minister in charge of Hassan district, was in Hassan to hoist the national flag on the occasion of the 79th Independence Day celebrations.