India, July 19 -- Karnataka Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara on Saturday said the state government will take a call on setting up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the alleged mass murders and burials in Dharmasthala, but only after assessing the necessity.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Parameshwara clarified that a decision on the SIT cannot be made at this early stage, as the investigation is still in its preliminary phase. "We will take a decision based on the needs of the case. How can we go for an SIT when the investigation has just begun? I have spoken to the Chief Minister about this," he said.

His remarks come days after a delegation of public-interest lawyers met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at his residence, seek...