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The article details the ongoing investigation by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) into alleged mass burials in Dharmasthala, Karnataka. The investigation was initiated following a complaint from a former sanitation worker who claims he was coerced into burying over 100 bodies, primarily women and minors, over a period of nearly two decades. The SIT has been conducting exhumation operations at 13 suspected burial sites identified by the complainant, and has so far unearthed partial skeletal remains believed to be those of a male individual. These remains were found in a forested area near the Netravathi river, approximately four feet underground. The recovered bones, numbering around 15, are undergoing forensic analysis to confirm their origin and identity. The absence of a skull is a notable detail in the initial findings. Prior to the skeletal remains discovery, the SIT recovered a PAN card and a RuPay debit card from one of the burial sites. The PAN card was traced to a man from Nelamangala, Bengaluru Rural district, who reportedly died of jaundice and was cremated. While the SIT official suggested the card may have been lost during a visit to Dharmasthala by the deceased, the discovery adds another layer of complexity to the investigation. The bank is currently providing details related to the debit card, and cross-verification of the woman's identity linked with the card is underway. The complainant's testimony is central to the investigation. He claims he was forced to dispose of bodies linked to criminal activities during his employment in Dharmasthala from 1995 to 2014. Fearing for his safety, he fled the town with his family and is now living in a neighboring state under a concealed identity. He has offered to identify those responsible and reveal more burial sites, provided he and his family receive legal protection. The police have withheld his personal details at his request for anonymity. His lawyer has stated that sketches of the deceased will be submitted to the court at a later stage. The Dakshina Kannada district convention of the All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) has called for a fair SIT probe, urging the government to ensure the investigation remains free from political interference. They have also demanded that the unnatural deaths of several women, including Padmalatha, Vedavalli, Sowjanya, and Yamuna, be included under the SIT’s ambit. AIDWA expressed concern about the autonomy of the investigation, urging the state government to address these concerns and provide full autonomy to the SIT. Maximum security should be provided to the witness-complainant and his lawyers. The Karnataka State Commission for Women has also urged a thorough SIT probe into alleged abuse, murders, rapes, unnatural deaths, and missing cases of women and girl students reported over the last two decades. The government has instructed that all criminal cases related to the matter, reported or anticipated, in police stations across Karnataka be transferred to the SIT. The team will use available resources at the Dakshina Kannada district police office and provide real-time updates to the Director General and Inspector General of Police. A comprehensive report is to be submitted to the government through the DG & IGP. The investigation has been intensified with the inclusion of additional senior officers. The SIT has opened a dedicated office in Mallikatte, Mangaluru, where members of the public can share information. A helpline has also been made operational. The SIT is continuing to examine the remaining burial sites under the supervision of SP Jitendra Kumar Dayama and others.
The case has drawn significant public attention and has raised concerns about potential criminal activities in Dharmasthala over several years. The allegations made by the complainant are serious and, if proven true, would reveal a dark chapter in the region's history. The involvement of the SIT, comprising officers known for their professionalism, indicates the gravity of the situation and the government's commitment to conducting a thorough and impartial investigation. However, the concerns raised by AIDWA regarding political interference underscore the potential challenges the SIT may face in pursuing the truth. The inclusion of other cases, such as the alleged murders and disappearances of Padmalatha, Soujanya, and others, broadens the scope of the investigation and suggests a deeper underlying issue. The recovery of the PAN card and debit card, while not directly linked to the alleged mass burials, adds to the complexity of the investigation and highlights the need for meticulous examination of all available evidence. The forensic analysis of the skeletal remains will be crucial in determining the cause of death and identifying the victims. The complainant's willingness to cooperate with the investigation, despite the potential risks to his safety, is a testament to his desire to bring justice to the victims and hold the perpetrators accountable. The SIT's decision to withhold his personal details and provide him with legal protection is a necessary measure to ensure his safety and encourage his continued cooperation. The establishment of a dedicated office and helpline for the public to share information is a positive step that could lead to the discovery of new evidence and the identification of additional witnesses. The government's directive to transfer all related criminal cases to the SIT reflects a commitment to a comprehensive and coordinated investigation. The comprehensive report to be submitted to the government will provide a detailed account of the SIT's findings and recommendations for further action.
The success of the investigation will depend on several factors, including the SIT's ability to gather and analyze evidence, protect the complainant and other witnesses, resist political interference, and secure the cooperation of relevant agencies and individuals. The forensic analysis of the skeletal remains, the verification of the complainant's testimony, and the investigation of other related cases will be crucial in uncovering the truth and bringing justice to the victims. The involvement of women's rights organizations and the Karnataka State Commission for Women demonstrates the importance of addressing the systemic issues that may have contributed to the alleged crimes. The call for stricter enforcement of laws to prevent atrocities against women is a reminder that this case is not just about past events, but also about preventing future crimes. The investigation into the alleged mass burials in Dharmasthala is a complex and challenging undertaking that requires a commitment to truth, justice, and accountability. The SIT's efforts will be closely watched by the public, and the outcome of the investigation will have a significant impact on the region's reputation and the government's credibility. The hope is that the investigation will not only uncover the truth about the alleged crimes, but also lead to meaningful reforms that will prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. The case underscores the importance of protecting whistleblowers and ensuring that those who come forward with information about crimes are provided with the necessary support and protection. It also highlights the need for a strong and independent judiciary that can hold perpetrators accountable and ensure that justice is served. The investigation is ongoing, and the SIT is continuing to examine the remaining burial sites and gather evidence. The public is urged to cooperate with the investigation and provide any information that may be helpful.
Ultimately, the Dharmasthala case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of all individuals. It highlights the need for vigilance in preventing and addressing crimes, especially those that target vulnerable populations such as women and children. The case also underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in government and law enforcement. The public has a right to know the truth about what happened in Dharmasthala, and the government has a responsibility to ensure that justice is served. The investigation into the alleged mass burials is a critical step towards achieving these goals. The SIT's work is not only about uncovering the truth about the past, but also about building a better future for the people of Dharmasthala and Karnataka. By holding perpetrators accountable and implementing meaningful reforms, the government can help to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future and create a society where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. The case also serves as a reminder of the importance of empowering women and girls and ensuring that they have equal access to justice. Women are often the victims of violence and discrimination, and it is essential that their voices are heard and their rights are protected. The involvement of women's rights organizations in the Dharmasthala case is a testament to the importance of their role in advocating for justice and equality. The investigation into the alleged mass burials is a complex and multifaceted undertaking that requires a collaborative effort from all stakeholders. The government, law enforcement, the judiciary, women's rights organizations, and the public must all work together to ensure that justice is served and that the truth is uncovered. The Dharmasthala case is a test of the strength of India's democracy and its commitment to the rule of law. The outcome of the investigation will have a profound impact on the lives of the people of Dharmasthala and Karnataka, and it will also send a message to the rest of the country about the importance of justice, accountability, and human rights.