Dharmasthala Case: ED start looking transactions of these key NGOs

Dharmasthala case: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has officially initiated a preliminary investigation into the Dharmasthala case. The probe is focused on the financial aspects, specifically allegations of dubious foreign funding used to fuel what some have called a “conspiracy” against the temple town. Dharmasthala Case: ED start looking transactions of these key NGOs.

The ED’s investigation is being conducted under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). The central agency is looking into allegations that certain individuals and NGOs received foreign funds in violation of the law. These funds are suspected of being used to create and circulate a narrative against Dharmasthala.

Sources indicate that the ED is looking at the financial transactions of some key NGOs, including “Odanadi” and “Samvada.” The agency has reportedly requested banks, including the State Bank of India, to provide details of their accounts, PAN details, and transaction records from the last five years.

The ED’s entry into the case comes after the Karnataka BJP held a “Dharmasthala Chalo” rally and demanded a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the ED. They have accused the Congress government of a conspiracy and a cover-up.

Karnataka’s Home Minister, G. Parameshwara, has stated that while there is no need to hand over the case to the NIA, the state government cannot stop the ED from conducting its own investigation. He said the ED is free to probe the financial angle from its perspective.

This new development runs parallel to the ongoing investigation by the state government’s Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is looking into the claims of a former sanitation worker who alleged that multiple bodies were buried in Dharmasthala. The SIT has already conducted excavations and made some findings, while also arresting the complainant on charges of perjury.

The ED’s involvement signals a new and significant dimension to the Dharmasthala case, expanding the scope of the investigation from a local criminal matter to a potential financial crime with alleged national security implications.

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