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News18
a day ago
- Politics
- News18
Mass Graves, Missing Women: What Karnataka's SIT On Dharmasthala Shocker Will Look Into
The team is expected to examine every missing person's case from the region to determine if it is connected to the string of crimes alleged by a former sanitation worker After weeks of pressure on the Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka government to hand over the investigation into the horrific allegations of mass graves, disappearances, and crimes against women in Dharmasthala by a whistleblower, the newly formed Special Investigation Team (SIT) has its hands full. The Karnataka government has constituted an SIT headed by Director General of Police (Internal Security Division and Cyber Command) Pronab Mohanty and the team has been tasked with probing the alleged series of murders and mass burials in and around Dharmasthala—a prominent temple town in Dakshina Kannada district. The SIT includes a highly qualified team working with Mohanty, including Deputy Inspector General of Police (Recruitment) MN Anucheth, Deputy Commissioner of Police (City Armed Reserve) Soumyalatha, and Superintendent of Police (Internal Security Division) Jitendra Kumar Dayama. What is the SIT expected to do? It is not only expected to uncover the truth and deliver justice to the victims and their families, but also to examine every missing person's case from the region to determine if it is connected to the string of crimes alleged by a former sanitation worker. The SIT was formed following explosive revelations by a former sanitation worker, who testified under Section 164 of the CrPC that he buried the bodies of women and minors around the Dharmasthala temple during his tenure between 1994 and 2014, sparking outrage and widespread calls for an independent SIT probe. The whistleblower, who has sought anonymity citing threats to his life, claims to have buried hundreds of bodies over nearly two decades. As part of the investigation, the Dakshina Kannada police, who were conducting the preliminary probe, had sought court permission to conduct brain mapping, fingerprinting, and narco-analysis of the complainant. The Investigation Officer (IO) in the case was empowered to decide when to exhume bodies. Now, all this analysis and probe will be overseen by the SIT. A senior officer explained to News18 that the process of investigation—especially the exhumation—will be done with extreme sensitivity, ensuring that evidence is preserved and there are no procedural lapses. The government has directed that all present and future cases linked to Dharmasthala—registered at various police stations across Karnataka—be transferred to the SIT. The DGP and IGP have been tasked with ensuring that the SIT receives the required support and resources. The team has been asked to operate out of the Dakshina Kannada District Police Office and submit regular progress reports. 'The SIT has been directed to carry out a comprehensive and impartial investigation, with a final report to be submitted to the state government at the earliest," the government order stated. Activists and lawyers had long demanded an SIT, citing past failures in similar high-profile probes related to the temple town. Following the recent recovery of human remains by police, a preliminary investigation was conducted by district officials. Based on their report, chief minister Siddaramaiah ordered a full-fledged SIT probe. The team will now carry out forensic analysis and initiate legal procedures for exhuming bodies from locations identified by the whistleblower. The investigation would need to look into the whistleblower's claims that the alleged rapes and murders took place over close to two decades. Despite pressure from various quarters—including delegations headed by Justice Gopal Gowda, former Backward Classes Commission chairman and advocate CS Dwarakanath, as well as State Women's Commission chairperson Nagalakshmi Choudhary approaching the CM to form an SIT at the earliest—the government had initially resisted the move, saying they would wait for the local police to conduct their preliminary investigation and recommend whether an SIT was needed. However, the delay in setting up the SIT drew criticism from several quarters. The whistleblower has claimed that individuals involved in these crimes were connected to the temple administration. Dharmasthala is one of Karnataka's major pilgrimage centres, attracting devotees from across the country. The whistleblower's identity and his testimony are central to the case. Police are keen on continuing to question him and gather further information under anonymity. The police are reportedly coordinating with advocates representing the whistleblower to ensure his full protection and cooperation. His legal team has expressed concerns that without robust protection, there is a risk to his life and the integrity of the investigation. However, there are fears that he may go incommunicado once the exhumation process begins. A challenge for the SIT is also the fact that lawyers representing the whistleblower submitted a memorandum to Siddaramaiah, alleging police collusion, information leaks, and intimidation aimed at derailing the probe. They said they believe there has been a long-standing nexus within the police to silence evidence of these crimes. The Start The issue first came to light on July 3, when the sanitation worker filed a complaint through his legal team with the Dharmasthala police. He alleged that during his employment from 1995 to December 2014, he was forced to bury the bodies of multiple people, including rape and murder victims. A case was registered by Dharmasthala police the following day under Section 211(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, after receiving court approval. On July 11, the whistleblower produced skeletal remains—said to have been exhumed by him—before the Principal Civil Judge and JMFC in Belthangady, and recorded a formal statement. In a detailed complaint to the Dakshina Kannada Police Commissioner, the whistleblower alleged he was threatened with death and forced to dispose of hundreds of bodies over nearly 20 years. He accused individuals linked to the Dharmasthala administration of being involved in the cover-up. Dakshina Kannada police registered an FIR (Crime No. 39/2025) under Section 211(a) of the BNS after court approval. K Parshwanath Jain, spokesperson for Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala, reacted to the SIT formation with a statement. 'Truth and belief are the strongest foundation for a society's ethics and faith. Therefore, it is our sincere hope and earnest demand that the SIT conducts the highest level of investigation in this case and brings out the true facts to light," he said. A member of the complainant's legal team has also urged the Kerala government to pass a resolution in its assembly, demanding a high-standard probe and for the Kerala Police to be included in the investigation. They also plan to move the Supreme Court on the matter. The Karnataka government's SIT formation order also noted the 2003 disappearance of a medical student and the recent discovery of a human skull. The State Commission for Women had earlier urged Siddaramaiah to form an SIT led by senior officers to investigate 'cases of missing women, female students, unnatural deaths, murders, and sexual assaults reported from the Dharmasthala area over the last two decades". On July 18, Siddaramaiah said the government was not opposed to forming an SIT, but would wait for the initial police report. 'We are not for or against it. We will follow the law. If an SIT is required, we will form it. But let the police submit their report first," he told reporters in Mysuru when asked about retired Justice V Gopal Gowda's demand for an SIT. Earlier this week, the complainant handed over more skeletal remains to the police. He reiterated his claim that during his years with the Dharmasthala temple administration, he had been ordered by his superiors to dispose of the bodies of women and children. In a letter dated July 14, the State Women's Commission cited media reports from July 12 that included a court deposition by a daily-wage worker who claimed to have buried over 100 bodies, and a statement by a family who said their daughter had gone missing from the temple premises. Based on the whistleblower's statement, police are preparing to exhume remains from areas near the Nethravathi River. top videos View all The sanitation worker's claims are not the first time Dharmasthala has come under scrutiny over serious allegations of violence, sexual assault, murder, and cover-ups. In 2012, the rape and murder of 17-year-old Sowjanya, a student from the town, had triggered national outrage. Linked to this, a Bengaluru woman named Sujatha Bhat also filed a formal complaint before the Dakshina Kannada SP. She alleged her daughter, Ananya Bhat, went missing from the Dharmasthala temple in 2003. Sujatha claimed locals told her they had seen temple staff taking away a girl matching her daughter's description. When she confronted temple authorities, she said she was assaulted, struck on the head, and left in a coma. Out of fear for her life, she said, she remained silent for years. About the Author Apoorva Misra Apoorva Misra is News Editor at with over nine years of experience. She is a graduate from Delhi University's Lady Shri Ram College and holds a PG Diploma from Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. More Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : BJP congress Dharmasthala Siddaramaiah Special Investigation Team view comments Location : Bengaluru, India, India First Published: July 21, 2025, 12:49 IST News india Mass Graves, Missing Women: What Karnataka's SIT On Dharmasthala Shocker Will Look Into Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
India Today
2 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
Hand over RCB event stampede probe to CBI: BJP leader writes to Siddaramaiah
BJP leader R Ashoka has urged Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to hand over the investigation into the stampede during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) victory celebrations outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium to the June 4, the stampede outside the stadium led to the deaths of 11 people, while 56 were injured, as a large number of people thronged to participate in the RCB's maiden IPL victory a letter to Siddaramaiah on Saturday, Ashoka, who is the Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, said the culprits must be identified and justice should be provided to the innocent lives lost in the tragedy. "This incident has become a topic of national discussion and is considered a 'black mark' in the history of Karnataka sports. Allegations and counter-allegations have taken place between the police and the state government regarding this matter," Ashoka the state government over the stampede, the BJP leader said, "Media reports indicate that the stampede occurred due to the police's failure to manage the crowd. However, the government, by suspending police officers, has washed its hands of the matter.""The Honourable Central Administrative Tribunal, during the hearing of a petition filed against one such suspension, opined that holding only the police officers responsible is not appropriate," he stressed that the culprits had still not been identified after over two months and said the people were raising concerns about the probe."Therefore, I earnestly request you to hand over this case to the CBI without any political interference. The true culprits must be identified, and justice should be provided for the innocent lives lost in this tragedy," Ashoka wrote to CASES AGAINST RCB, KARNATAKA CRICKET BODYMeanwhile, the Karnataka Cabinet has approved the filing of criminal cases against RCB and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), following the acceptance of the final report submitted by the Justice Michael D'Cunha one-man inquiry commission led by retired Justice John Michael D'Cunha found that all stakeholders went ahead with the event despite knowing it was impossible to manage the crowd safely. The report cites 'gross negligence and dereliction of duty' by all parties July 17, the state government squarely blamed the RCB for the June 4 stampede. In its report submitted to the High Court, the government pointed to a series of lapses, including a public video appeal by cricketer Virat Kohli that it said drew an overwhelming crowd despite police denying permission for the Siddaramaiah-led government had first launched a magisterial inquiry into the stampede and directed the police to investigate the criminal aspects of the case. Multiple first information reports were filed against RCB, the KSCA, and event management firm DNA Entertainment for negligence and culpable the government ordered a judicial inquiry and suspended five police officers, including the-then Bengaluru Police Commissioner D Dayananda and two other Indian Police Service officers, for failing in their duties.- Ends(with inputs from PTI)Must Watch IN THIS STORY#Karnataka#Bengaluru#Bharatiya Janta Party
News18
2 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Karnataka Forms SIT To Probe Murders, Sexual Assaults, Missing Women Cases In Dharmasthala
Last Updated: The four-member special investigation team will be headed by Karnataka DGP, internal security division, Pranav Mohanty Responding to concerns over media reports of mass burials, the Siddaramaiah-led government in Karnataka has formed a special investigation team to probe the alleged incidents of murder, rape, and cases of missing women spanning two decades in the Dharmasthala area. A government order (GO) dated July 19 was shared with the press on Sunday. The police have already registered a case under Section 211(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in Dharmasthala. The matter came to light after the discovery of a human skull and statements made by the family of a missing medical student. An individual, a former sanitation worker at the Dharmasthala temple, also came forward claiming that there were 'hundreds of bodies were buried in the Dharmasthala area". 'The government has constituted an SIT to look into the Dharmasthala issues. There has been a complaint. There has been a public hue and cry. The government has taken note of all this and then constituted an SIT to look into this entire thing… If somebody is thinking of creating some political issue out of this at this point of time, I don't want to react to all that," state minister G Parameshwara told news agency ANI. The special investigation team (SIT) will be headed by Karnataka director general of police (DGP), internal security division, Pranav Mohanty. Other members include additional commissioner of police (recruitment) MN Anucheth, deputy commissioner of police (CAR headquarters) Soumya Latha, and superintendent of police (internal security division) Jitendra Kumar Dayama. The SIT will investigate not only the present case but also all related cases registered or to be registered in other police stations across the state. The DGP will assign such cases to the SIT and provide necessary personnel. The SIT will function using resources from the Dakshina Kannada district police office and is expected to submit regular updates to the DGP. A comprehensive investigation report will be submitted to the state government through the DGP at the earliest. WHAT IS THE MASS BURIALS CASE? The state government's move has come in response to a letter from the Karnataka State Women's Commission chairperson Nagalakshmi Choudhary, who cited a court statement by an individual claiming that 'hundreds of bodies were buried in the Dharmasthala area". The commission also took serious note of media reports highlighting the discovery of a human skull and statements made by the family of a missing medical student. It said these reports — alongside the court testimony — point to a 'disturbing pattern of abuse, unnatural deaths, and disappearances of women and female students spanning more than 20 years". The police complaint was filed alleging the secret disposal of multiple bodies in a village in the Dakshina Kannada district. The complainant has claimed that he was involved in disposing of several bodies under threat. His identity has been kept confidential for security reasons. Driven by guilt, he approached the police with a request for protection and expressed willingness to fully cooperate with the investigation, on the condition that legal protection is granted to him and his family. The complainant has offered to share detailed information about those involved and the specific locations where the bodies were disposed of once safety assurances are in place. On July 12, in a key development, the complainant's statement was recorded by the principal civil judge and JMFC of Belthangady Taluk, Dakshina Kannada. The statement was taken under Section 183 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS), which corresponds to Section 164 of the former Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). (With agency inputs) view comments Location : Bengaluru, India, India First Published: July 20, 2025, 17:09 IST News india Karnataka Forms SIT To Probe Murders, Sexual Assaults, Missing Women Cases In Dharmasthala Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
NDTV
5 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
'They Wanted Credit, Blaming Kohli Now': BJP Slams Karnataka Stampede Report
Bengaluru: The BJP has slammed the Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka government over its report blaming Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the stampedes during the June 4 victory parade that left 11 people dead and nearly 50 injured. Aravind Bellad, BJP MLA and Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, said the government wanted to take credit after the RCB's IPL victory after 18 years, but has now started blaming the franchisee and cricket star Virat Kohli for the stampede deaths. The state government's report, made public after a high court order, says that RCB put out social media posts inviting the public to join the victory parade from Vidhana Soudha to Chinnaswamy Stadium "without consulting the police". The report says RCB also shared a video clip of Virat Kohli, its star player, in which he said the team wants to celebrate the victory with the people of Bengaluru. These posts, the report said, contributed to drawing a massive crowd to the Chinnaswamy Stadium. Confusion over entry passes fuelled the chaos, eventually leading to the stampede tragedy, the report says. The BJP has now slammed the state government and accused it of trying to evade responsibility. "It's not only RCB that invited people, a huge number of people came on the invitation of the Congress, (Deputy Chief Minister) DK Shivakumar and government officials, the DPAR secretary came on TV and invited people, the government is solely responsible for this," Mr Bellad said. "If the report says RCB is solely responsible, why did the government suspend police officers? The Chief Minister should apologise to the former police commissioner. If there was an intimation by RCB that they will hold the event, then the government should have refused permission. They they had all the right to say this event cannot be held. Just to take credit for the victory, the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister invited people. To now put the blame on a great player like Virat Kohli or RCB is wrong," the BJP leader added. The state government had urged the high court to keep the report confidential, but the court stated there were no legal grounds for such confidentiality. The report explains the chaos that led to the stampedes at some gates of the Chinnaswamy Stadium after over 3 lakh people gathered and tried to enter the stadium, which has a capacity of about 35,000. The report also explains why the state government did not call off the victory parade after the stampede. It says abruptly shutting down the victory celebrations at the stadium "could potentially incite violence among the gathered crowd and adversely affect overall law and order across the city". "...a measured response was taken by curtailing the duration of the function. Instead of complete termination, a measured approach was adopted by allowing the event to proceed with significantly curtailed duration and enhanced monitoring," it says.
Deccan Herald
6 days ago
- Politics
- Deccan Herald
Rights, resistance and a new roadmap
The Siddaramaiah-led Congress government must be complimented for keeping its electoral promise to withdraw the notification and respecting the voice of the people.
