Dharmasthala Crimes: TV9 Kannada airs ‘false news’ on Bheema’s statement in SIT

Bengaluru 

Karnataka’s news broadcasting channel TV9 allegedly aired false news claiming that Bheema admitted to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) that he was forced to register a complaint regarding the mass burial case. However, sources in the Home Ministry clarified that he has not made any such statement before the SIT.

TV 9 apart from saying he was forced by some group to file false complaint, also said SIT will be carrying out reverse investigation. TV 9 said “Bheema’s told SIT police that he is lying and he was forced to register complaint by some group.”

A source said that in the Legislative Assembly, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara himself clarified that the reports circulating in some sections of the media about Bheema’s statement were false. While responding to questions raised by BJP MLAs on the SIT’s investigation, the Home Minister placed on record that the media reports were incorrect.

According to Home Ministry sources, the SIT is probing the mass burial case based on Bheema’s Section 164 statement recorded before the Principal Civil Judge and Judicial Magistrate First Class. The SIT’s job is to investigate his claims, and he has been granted witness protection as per the court’s order. The source added that if any harm is caused to the witness, the SIT can take action against those responsible under relevant provisions of the Witness Protection Scheme, 2018

The source also noted that TV9 failed to verify the accuracy of the information or any supporting video with the competent authority. Although TV9 enjoys a strong reputation and wide viewership, airing such false news could tarnish the channel’s credibility. It should also be noted that the SIT is not obliged to update the government about ongoing investigations, as its accountability lies with the court.

In the Assembly on Monday, the BJP faced a setback when Parameshwara informed members that the investigation could not be halted and that Bheema could not be taken into custody. The BJP had expected the government to direct the SIT to stop the exhumation process. However, Parameshwara emphasized that decisions regarding further exhumations rest solely with the SIT, and the government has no authority in the matter.