Dharmasthala Case: SIT Demanded for Alleged Mass Murders, Rapes

 Bengaluru/Mangaluru, July 17, 2025: A group of legal practitioners and social activists have called upon Karnataka's Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, to establish a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the guidance of a retired Supreme Court or High Court judge to scrutinize the alarming allegations of widespread rapes, homicides, and the clandestine interment of remains in the woodlands surrounding Dharmasthala, located in the Dakshina Kannada region. This urgent appeal ensues subsequent to the emergence of reports, disseminated across media outlets and social media platforms, alluding to the concealment of hundreds of bodies within the forest expanses. 

A purported eyewitness has reportedly presented their account to a magistrate, substantiating these grave claims. Spearheaded by attorneys C.S. Dwarakanath, S. Balan, and S. Umapathi, the assembly tendered a memorandum to the Chief Minister, underscoring the gravity of these assertions and the imperative for an unbiased investigation. The formal complaint, registered as FIR No. 39/2025 at the Dharmasthala police station, implicates influential individuals with alleged political affiliations, thereby raising concerns regarding the potential manipulation of evidence.

Witness Claims and Police Response

A witness, with their identity safeguarded, reportedly presented before a Belthangady magistrate on the 11th of July, 2025, under the auspices of Section 183 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, offering a human skeletal remains purportedly unearthed from a pinpointed location. The witness asserts knowledge of several such interment sites and has extended an offer to escort the authorities to these areas. However, the law enforcement has not initiated any digging operations yet, emphasizing the necessity of adhering to correct legal protocols. Contrary to police assertions that the witness cannot be located, the witness’s legal counsels, Dheeraj S.J. and Ananya Gowda, have expressed astonishment, affirming the witness’s willingness to collaborate and revealing that he is indeed alive and has provided his interim address via email on the 13th of July. Furthermore, they have held a four-hour meeting with the officers to provide his statements. The attorneys have accused the police of dereliction of duty and highlighted the witness’s apprehensions regarding death threats he has received. 

In response, the Dakshina Kannada police have stated that the witness’s non-availability impedes the implementation of protection measures as per Rule 7 of the witness protection guidelines. The lawyers have been informed of this predicament via email, and the police have indicated their intention to submit a report to the relevant authorities. Additionally, the police have alluded to a tip suggesting that the witness may flee if excavations commence hastily, thereby necessitating the investigation officer to decide the timing of such activities, strictly in accordance with legal procedures.

Missing Person Case Adds to Concerns

Adding to the ongoing controversy, Bengaluru resident Sujatha Bhat has filed a complaint with the Superintendent of Police (SP) of Dakshina Kannada, claiming that her daughter, Ananya Bhat, a medical student at the time, disappeared from Dharmasthala in 2003. According to Sujatha, she faced aggression and was denied assistance when she attempted to file a report regarding her missing daughter. Now, she hopes for closure and seeks the identification of Ananya's remains, if they are among those found, for proper Hindu last rites. In light of this, the police have assured a thorough investigation into the matter.

MLC C.T. Ravi has also chimed in, alleging a deliberate attempt to besmirch the reputation of Dharmasthala and advocating for a comprehensive probe to reveal the truth behind the allegations. Additionally, an unverified report suggests a related petition may have been lodged with the Supreme Court, though this information has not been confirmed by the investigating team.

The incident has ignited significant public ire, leading to calls for the involvement of forensic specialists, DNA testing, and video documentation to maintain transparency throughout the investigation. Activists have warned that any delays could result in the destruction of crucial evidence, emphasizing the urgency of taking action. This includes the immediate apprehension of suspects and the protection of witnesses to ensure the integrity of the case. 

BJP MLA S Suresh Kumar in a recent Facebook post, questioned the Kerala government’s necessity to petition in the case, hinting at “suspicious motives” and sharing advocate KV Dhanajaya’s press release.

Here is his face book post

Keywords: Dharmasthala case, SIT probe, Karnataka news, rape allegations, murder claims, buried bodies, witness protection, forensic investigation, Dakshina Kannada, Supreme Court, Aadhaar linkage, e-KYC, Ananya Bhat, CM Siddaramaiah