Latest news with #StellaVarghese
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Dharmasthala mass burial case: SIT searches site near road to Bahuballi Betta
Mangaluru: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged Dharmasthala mass burial case conducted a search operation at a site near the road leading to Bahuballi Betta on Saturday. The team is focusing on locations other than the sites reportedly identified and marked last week based on the statements of the complainant witness. The SIT, accompanied by the complainant witness and other officials, cordoned off the search area with tapes and a green shade net before commencing operations. An earthmover was also deployed at the site. SP Jitendra Kumar Dayama, Puttur assistant commissioner Stella Varghese, and scene of crime officials (SoCO) as well as labourers were present. Earlier in the day, it was expected that the SIT would conduct further searches at a site in Boliyar that was searched on Friday. This followed the complainant witness's claim in his complaint that the body of a school-going girl, aged about 10–15, dressed in a uniform and carrying a school bag, was disposed of at that location. On Friday too, the SIT found no human remains. Meanwhile, as the search operation was in progress, advocate Manjunath N alleged a conspiracy to obstruct the investigation through deliberate soil dumping at Bahubali Hill forest Area. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice Grammarly Install Now Undo He stated that excavation work commenced in the forest area at the foothills of Bahubali Hills. However, to prevent any evidence from being discovered, vested interests have recently dumped approximately 10ft of fresh soil and debris across this forest area. With dozens of feet of fresh soil now accumulated, excavating even seven feet deep may not reveal buried skeletal remains, he alleged. It may be recalled that the SIT began exhumation in connection with allegations of mass burials on July 29. | Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Raksha Bandhan wishes , messages and quotes !
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
SIT searches site at Boliyar
Mangaluru: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged Dharmasthala mass burial case on Friday conducted a search operation at a location near the forest area in Boliyar, along the Dharmasthala-Subrahmanya road, as part of the exhumation process. It was speculated that the team might examine Site No. 13 during the operation. The site was reportedly not among those identified by the SIT last week based on the complainant witness's statement. The search began in the afternoon, with senior police officials, including SP Jitendra Dayama, Puttur assistant commissioner Stella Varghese, and the complainant witness, present at the spot. Scene of crime officers (SoCO) were also on site, while labourers were seen entering the area carrying pickaxes, shovels, and a bag of salt. According to SIT sources, the complainant witness had stated in his complaint that the body of a school-going girl, aged around 10–15 years, wearing a uniform and carrying a school bag, was disposed of at this location. The team inspected the spot but found nothing on Friday. The search is expected to continue at the same site on Saturday. Earthmover was used as part of the search. Meanwhile, following the recent clash at Pangala, the complainant witness sought police protection. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like These Hotels Redefine Luxury – Wait Until You See What's Inside Explore Undo The Dakshina Kannada district police have since provided him with an escort and an armed guard. The team returned by 6 pm, and the complainant witness was escorted back to the SIT office, it is learnt. Sources said no skeletal remains were found during the operation, while SIT officials remained tight-lipped about the proceedings. According to sources, two more witnesses reportedly stated that they recognised the complainant witness. They claimed that they observed him secretly transporting bodies to various locations and burying them at different places. They requested the SIT to include them in the search process in the locations shown by the complainant witness. Additionally, they requested an opportunity to show other locations independently. SIT given police station status The govt has designated the SIT as a police station. In an order dated Aug 6, it said an officer of the rank of police inspector or above appointed to the SIT has been declared as the station house officer (SHO) under Section 2(1)(r) of the BNSS, 2023, thereby granting them full authority to act as an SHO for investigation purposes. The govt has also delegated powers to the SIT to conduct investigations and submit final reports to the court in accordance with the provisions of the BNSS, 2023. With this, the SIT team no longer needs to go through the jurisdictional police station for case registration and other procedures. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Raksha Bandhan wishes , messages and quotes !
The Hindu
4 days ago
- The Hindu
Dharmasthala burials: SIT to hire ground penetrating device to search for bodies at site No. 13
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing allegations of illegal burials in Dharmasthala did not excavate site no. 13, which is near a vented dam built across the Netravati river, on August 7. Instead, the team completed the procedural formalities related to what was found after digging 12 of the 13 sites listed by the complainant. The SIT personnel questioned the complainant, a 50-year-sanitation worker, for nearly two hours on August 7 in its Belthangady office. Assistant Commissioner, Puttur Sub-Division, Stella Varghese, was also at the SIT office for nearly two hours. A few witnesses related to the complaint were also examined. SIT Chief and Director General of Police Pronab Mohanty had a long meeting with the team. According to SIT sources, the complainant has told them that skeletal remains at site No. 13 could be found at a depth of 20 feet. An electricity transformer has been placed at the site. Hence, the SIT has decided to hire a ground penetrating device for site No. 13. If the device shows signs of human remains, the electricity transformer will be shifted before digging the site, sources said. The SIT is also contemplating a 'mahazar' (recording processes and procedure followed) of new burial sites. Details of visits to those sites with the complainant will not be made public, as it would put the safety of complainant at risk. The complainant has been brought under the 'Victim Protection Scheme'. In the light of attack on three Youtubers and a cameraperson on August 6, the complainant on August 7 sought increase in police protection. SIT officials said that security for the complainant has been increased.
Time of India
02-08-2025
- Time of India
SIT searches 2 more points on day 5 of search operations
Mangaluru: The Special Investigation Team (SIT), probing the alleged mass burials in Dharmasthala, continued its exhumation for the fifth consecutive day on Saturday. Search operations were carried out at points 9 and 10 under the supervision of Puttur assistant commissioner Stella Varghese, but no human remains were reportedly found. Members, who are part of this exercise, started arriving at the spot near the state highway at around 11am. Following the arrival of the complainant witness, key SIT officials, and Scene of Crime Officers (SOCO), digging began using manual tools and a mini earth mover. A mini-JCB was also deployed to aid the effort. The site was enclosed with a green shade net to block public view during the operation. It is learnt that digging was undertaken up to nearly five feet. Police ensured vehicular movement was not affected. According to sources, point 9 was searched until 2.30pm, after which operations at point 10 commenced at around 3.30pm. However, heavy rain in the evening hampered further digging. Earlier, allegations surfaced that a police officer threatened the complainant witness. An advocate representing the complainant witness reportedly sent an email complaint to the SIT regarding the same. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like I thought my dad was 'boring'. Now, I'm learning that boring stuff is often what matters most CNA Read More Undo Top officials from the SIT confirmed that they have received the email complaint and will look into it. The entire process is being video recorded, and the advocates of the complainant witness are also present. The complainant, a former sanitation worker in Dharmasthala between 1995 and 2014, alleged he was forced to dispose of bodies secretly. He claimed to flee the town with his family due to threats to his life. Acting on his testimony, the SIT interrogated him over two days at the Intelligence Bureau office in Mangaluru and mapped 13 suspected burial sites on Monday. Partial skeletal remains were recovered at point 6 on Thursday, the third day of exhumation. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Friendship Day wishes , messages and quotes !
The Hindu
02-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Externment notice served on Hindutva activist and BJP leader Arun Kumar Puttila
Stella Varghese, Puttur Assistant Commissioner and Sub-Divisional Magistrate, served a notice on Hindutva activist and BJP leader Arun Kumar Puttila, asking him to show cause why he should not be externed to Shahabad police limits in Kalaburagi district. The notice issued on May 28, under Section 55 of the Karnataka Police Act, 1963, did not mention any reasons for the move. It stated that if Mr. Puttila fails to appear before the officer by June 6 to present his case, the issue would be decided based on the available material. Section 55 of the Act deals with the removal of persons who were about to commit any offence. A resident of Mundur village in Puttur taluk, 54-year-old Mr. Puttila had unsuccessfully contested the 2023 Assembly elections from Puttur as an Independent, losing to incumbent Ashok Kumar Rai of the Congress by a margin of 4,149 votes. He entered the fray as a rebel candidate after the BJP refused him the party ticket. While Mr. Rai polled 66,607 votes, Mr. Puttila polled 62,458 votes, and the BJP's Asha Thimmappa secured 37,558 votes at that time. Notices to 23 persons Asked about the reasons for the externment notice, Puttur AC Stella Varghese said it was based on the recommendations of the Deputy Superintendent of Police, Puttur sub-division, who had listed several cases against Mr. Puttila. 'I will hold a court of inquiry and hear both sides before passing orders—either accepting or rejecting the plea. The reasons were communicated to the person concerned, she said.' Ms. Varghese also said that she has received similar requests for externment from the police against 22 persons, and notices were issued to them as well.
