Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (MS)

Udupi, Nov 20: Chief minister (CM) Siddaramaiah ordered chief secretary of the tourism department to hold investigation into the alleged scam in the construction of Parashuram Theme Park at Karkala.

Giving the details, MLC Manjunath Bhandary on Monday November 20 said, “There is confusion whether Parashuram Theme park is a religious place or tourism attraction. The statue which was inaugurated by the former CM disappeared suddenly. This matter came to the knowledge of the CM and DyCM. They asked me to visit the spot and submit a report. The portion of the statue above the waist was missing. When I asked the officials, they said that it is sent for design change. However, the place is a grazing land fro cows. The government had earlier ordered not to build the park there.

“After the CM inaugurated the statue, it was moved without the permission of the deputy commissioner. Now, CM Siddaramaiah has asked the chief secretary of the tourism department to investigate the matter. Truth should come out as to what was there above the waist of the statue when it was inaugurated. Let it be made clear whether it is a religious centre or tourist spot. Clear your assurances. It does not matter whether it is a religious or a picnic spot,” he said.

In the press conference, former minister Vinay Kumar said, “The former chief minister should have taken suitable information before inaugurating the park. Now, order is given for investigation. The BJP has insulted Lord Parashuram in order to win the elections. Investigation will also be done on why the statue was built in haste.”