India’s mass burial mystery deepens: What’s next in the Dharmasthala SIT probe?

Dubai: The Karnataka government has ordered the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate alleged mass murder, rape, and burial incidents in Dharmasthala town.

This move follows growing public outcry and demands from activists and retired Supreme Court judge V. Gopala Gowda. A whistleblower, a former sanitation worker at the Dharmasthala temple, has come forward confessing involvement in body disposal under threats.

SIT comprises four senior IPS officers

The SIT will be led by Pronab Mohanty, DGP of the Internal Security Department, along with DIG M.N. Anuchet, DCP Sowmyalatha, and Superintendent Jitendra Kumar. The team is tasked with probing all criminal cases related to the allegations, including those filed in other police stations across Karnataka.

“The State Women’s Commission, in its letter, highlighted the alleged burial of hundreds of dead bodies in the Dharmasthala region. A person has come forward and recorded a statement before the court. The Commission has also taken serious note of media reports about the discovery of a skull and the statement by the family of a missing medical student.”

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated his government will not yield to any pressure regarding the handling of the Dharmasthala murders case.

The development follows a letter from the Karnataka State Women’s Commission (KSWC) requesting that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah form an SIT led by senior police officials to investigate the matter. The KSWC cited a media report containing a statement from a person claiming bodies were buried in the past 20 years in the region.

On July 12, the whistleblower recorded his statement under Section 183 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) before a Principal Civil Judge, amid concerns over legal procedure due to his illiteracy. The complainant has been granted protection under the Witness Protection Scheme, 2018.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah assured the public that the SIT will thoroughly investigate all cases linked to the Dharmasthala allegations and submit a comprehensive report. He stressed the government’s commitment to impartiality and justice despite potential political controversies.

"The special investigation team will thoroughly investigate all criminal cases registered at the Dharmasthala police station, as well as those registered or to be registered at other police stations in the state related to this matter, and submit a report," Siddaramaiah’s 'X' post said.

Home Minister G Parameshwara confirmed the SIT’s formation in response to public demand. He dismissed political speculation and emphasised the government’s focus on a fair investigation.

"The government has constituted an SIT to look into the Dharmasthala issues. There has been a complaint. There has been a public hue and cry. The government has taken note of all this and then constituted an SIT to look into this entire thing... If somebody is thinking of creating some political issue out of this at this point of time, I don't want to react to all that," Parameshwara told reporters. 

K. Parshwanath Jain, Dharmasthala’s spokesperson, expressed hope that the SIT will uncover the truth and bring clarity to the matter, highlighting the importance of truth and belief as society’s ethical foundation.

"Truth and belief are the strongest foundation for a society's ethics and faith. Therefore, it is our sincere hope and earnest demand that the SIT conducts the highest level of investigation in this case and brings out true facts to light," Jain said.

On July 16, a group of public-interest lawyers met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah urging the formation of an SIT headed by senior officials, including a sitting or retired High Court judge. They called for forensic support and immediate arrests of all involved parties to uphold justice.

The case remains under investigation following the formal complaint and SIT formation. Authorities have assured regular updates to the government, and the final report will be submitted through police leadership for further action. 

A former sanitation worker at the Dharmasthala temple, overwhelmed with guilt, has claimed he was forced to dispose of multiple bodies under threat. Seeking legal protection for himself and his family, he came forward to the authorities. Here’s how the case unfolded:

The complaint is formally registered at the Superintendent of Police’s office and Dharmasthala Police Station under Section 211(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), after obtaining necessary court permission.

The complainant is granted protection under the Witness Protection Scheme, 2018. Authorities formally communicate this to his legal team.

The complainant expresses gratitude to the District Judiciary of Dakshina Kannada, police, and Karnataka government for ensuring his safety. He remains willing to provide detailed information about those involved and locations of body disposal once safety is assured.

The case is under active investigation. The complainant’s identity remains confidential for security reasons.