What Happened in the Dharmasthala Murders Case?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Unidentified complainant claims he was forced to bury bodies.
- Allegations involve rape and murder of women in Dharmasthala.
- Home Minister calls for investigation pending formal complaint.
- Complainant seeks protection for himself and family.
- Case has generated significant public interest and controversy.
Mangaluru, July 11 (NationPress) In a significant turn of events, an unidentified individual who claimed he was coerced into burying multiple bodies of women, victims of rape and murder in Dharmasthala village, has appeared in court in Karnataka's Mangaluru district on Friday to provide his statement.
The man recorded his testimony under Section 183 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) before Principal Civil Judge and First Class Judicial Magistrate Sandesh K.
Accompanied by a team of legal representatives and law enforcement personnel, he entered the courtroom with his face and upper body completely concealed.
This development is poised to ignite significant controversy.
Details surrounding this case are still emerging.
Dharmasthala is renowned as one of Karnataka's leading Hindu pilgrimage sites.
Previously, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara stated on Thursday that an investigation into the alleged murders in Dharmasthala would commence once the complainant formally presented himself and provided his statement to the police.
Minister Parameshwara noted that law enforcement is currently scrutinizing the allegations, which include claims regarding the disposal of bodies of women allegedly subjected to rape and murder.
“A complaint has been lodged by one person on behalf of an unidentified man. However, the complainant himself has not filed a formal complaint. It is essential for this individual to come forward and give a statement,” the Minister remarked.
“If not, it may lead to procedural lapses by the police, jeopardizing the case. We must avoid any technical failures. The police are actively investigating the matter. We will have to see how this unfolds. The complainant must officially file a report and record his statement. All actions must be within the legal framework. Only then can we take appropriate action,” Parameshwara emphasized.
Earlier, a complaint was submitted to the Mangaluru Superintendent of Police, Arun K., through advocates Ojaswi Gowda and Sachin Deshpande, where the anonymous individual alleged he was threatened with death and forced to bury the corpses of several women who had been raped and murdered, alongside other victims and evidence, in Dharmasthala village and its vicinity.
He requested the police to exhume the bodies in his presence.
The complainant also sought protection for himself and his family, as they are currently on the run in a neighboring state.
According to his account, he fled Dharmasthala 11 years ago.
He further alleged that the bodies of the women exhibited clear signs of sexual assault, having been found without clothing and displaying injuries indicating violent acts.
The revelations have sparked considerable controversy across the state.