Could the Dharmasthala Mass Grave Case Be Reopened? SIT Receives Appeal to Investigate 1986 Padmalatha Death

Mangaluru, Aug 11 (NationPress) In a significant turn of events, a formal complaint has been submitted to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) tasked with the inquiry into the suspected mass grave case, seeking to investigate the suspicious demise of Padmalatha, which occurred in 1986 in Dharmasthala. The relatives of Padmalatha assert that she was abducted, sexually assaulted, and murdered, and that the matter was subsequently covered up.

Indravathi, the elder sister of the deceased Padmalatha and a resident of Nelyadi, has formally requested that the SIT exhume Padmalatha’s remains, identify those accountable for the crime, and ensure justice is served.

The complaint elaborates, "My family home is situated in the Boliyaru area near Dharmasthala. Thirty-eight years ago, my sister Padmalatha, who was enrolled in II PUC (Class 12) at SDM College in Ujire, never came back home after she left for college on December 12, 1986. She was last seen at the Dharmasthala bus stop before disappearing. Her remains were discovered on February 17, 1987, along the riverbank in a state of decomposition.

Indravathi recounted, "My late father, Devanand, who was a leader affiliated with the CPI(M), led numerous protests, claiming that my sister had been abducted, sexually assaulted, and murdered. As a result of these protests, the government passed the case to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The issue was even addressed in the Legislative Assembly, thus pertinent documents should be accessible," Indravathi stated.

She continued, "The then Minister, the late Rachaiah, visited our home in Boliyaru, Dharmasthala, promising us justice. Yet, the police eventually closed the case as undetected, and we still await justice."

"We believe this was a calculated act of kidnapping, sexual assault, and murder. We have not cremated the body, but instead buried it, hoping for justice. If the body is exhumed and a thorough investigation is conducted, it could bring clarity regarding Padmalatha's murder. I am prepared to provide my testimony regarding everything I know," Indravathi expressed in her complaint.

In comments to the media, she reiterated that Padmalatha never returned home after leaving for college. "Her remains were recovered in a significantly decomposed state more than 50 days later. Only bones were left, and we identified her based on her clothing and wristwatch. The CID had previously closed the case, stating it was undetected," she said.

"I trust the SIT and believe that the truth will emerge in Padmalatha’s case. We urge for the body to be exhumed and for a comprehensive investigation to be undertaken. I am confident that justice will prevail," Indravathi concluded.