Will the Dharmasthala Mass Grave Allegations be Thoroughly Investigated by the SIT?

Bengaluru, July 21 (NationPress) The management of the Dharmasthala temple has expressed support for the investigation into allegations regarding a mass grave in the area, which is being conducted by the Special Investigation Team (SIT).

The state government announced the establishment of the SIT, led by senior IPS officer Pronab Mohanty, on Sunday.

K. Parshwanath Jain, spokesperson for Dharmasthala, conveyed in a media statement on Monday, "A complaint was recently lodged at the Dharmasthala police station asserting that 'multiple bodies were buried', leading to intense discussions, speculation, and confusion on a national scale in recent days. Given our expectations, as well as those of the public, for a just and transparent investigation, it is clear that the State Government has appointed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to handle the case."

"Truth and faith form the core of a society's ethics and beliefs. Hence, it is our genuine hope and earnest request that the SIT conducts a thorough investigation in this matter and reveals the facts," Jain added.

Meanwhile, the SIT is preparing to begin its investigation into the case. Currently, the Dharmasthala police are conducting preliminary inquiries. The SIT team is expected to arrive in Mangaluru soon to commence their investigation.

In a significant move, the government led by Siddaramaiah in Karnataka has constituted the Special Investigation Team (SIT), which includes four senior IPS officers, to investigate the alleged murders in Dharmasthala.

The call for the formation of the SIT was made by retired Supreme Court Judge Justice V. Gopala Gowda and various activists.

This development is likely to generate controversy, as Dharmasthala is a well-known Hindu pilgrimage site in Karnataka.

The Karnataka government issued the order on Sunday. The SIT will be directed by senior IPS officer Pronab Mohanty, along with DGP of the Internal Security Department, M.N. Anuchet, DCP (City Armed Reserve) Sowmyalatha, and Jitendra Kumar, Superintendent of Police in the Internal Security Department.

As per high-level sources, two of the four SIT members are reportedly considering withdrawing from the investigation. IPS officers M.N. Anucheth and Sowmyalatha are said to be preparing to notify the government regarding their decision. They are expected to submit their letters on Monday (July 21), citing personal reasons and requesting to be relieved from the SIT, according to senior police sources.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated on Friday that his government would not succumb to any external pressures concerning the handling of the alleged Dharmasthala murders case.

In a notable development, on July 11, the unidentified complainant, who claimed he was coerced into burying multiple bodies of women who were raped and murdered in Dharmasthala village, appeared before a court in Karnataka's Mangaluru district last Friday and provided his statement.

The man recorded his statement under Section 183 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) before Principal Civil Judge and First Class Judicial Magistrate Sandesh K.

Accompanied by a group of lawyers and police personnel, he entered the court with his face and upper body fully covered. This development has ignited significant controversy.

He requested the police to exhume the bodies in his presence and also sought protection for himself and his family.

In his statement, he mentioned that he fled Dharmasthala 11 years ago and alleged that the bodies of the women exhibited clear signs of sexual assault.

They were discovered without clothing or undergarments and bore injuries indicating violent acts. These revelations have sent shockwaves through the state.