Mangaluru, 27, July 2025: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has commenced its probe into the alleged reported mass burials at Dharmasthala police station limits on July 26, 2025. The key witness, accompanied by legal representation, presented before the SIT officials, comprising DIG M.N. Anucheth and SP Jitendra Kumar Dayama, at the PWD Guest House in Mallikatte. The individual, whose identity was concealed with a mask, provided an extensive statement spanning over eight hours. The witness claimed to have been forced into the clandestine disposal of bodies with ties to criminal activities in the Dharmasthala region. The SIT's mandate encompasses case number 39/2025 and its related matters across the state of Karnataka.
Witness Testimony Recorded
In a pivotal advancement in the ongoing burial case (39/2025) of Dharmasthala police station limits, a crucial eyewitness presented themselves before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on the 28th of January, at the Mallikatte tourist bungalow in the picturesque town of Dharmasthala. Arriving in a privately hired vehicle and escorted by a duo of legal representatives, the individual, whose identity remains undisclosed for protection purposes, offered an extensive and detailed testimony for a prolonged duration of eight hours. The SIT, under the astute leadership of DIG M.N. Anuchet and the vigilant SP Jitendra Kumar Dayam, meticulously recorded the information provided. This critical evidence is reportedly linked to a series of grave incidents involving interred bodies within the purview of the Dharmasthala police station. The witness, maintaining anonymity by concealing their face with a mask, departed from the premises at 7:25 pm. Notably, the SIT officials have chosen to exercise discretion, refraining from disclosing any specifics regarding the content of the statement. This significant development has the potential to cast new light on the case, as the investigation continues to unfold.
Investigation Gains Momentum
According to Prajavani report, Sources confirmed that a team of SIT officers, comprising DYSP Lokesh, Inspector Manjunath, and two additional members, visited the Dharmasthala police station on the night of Friday. The officers were there to collect documents pertinent to an ongoing case that had been brought to their attention. This case involves allegations of life threats and clandestine body disposals. The individual who made these claims initially filed a complaint on July 3rd, expressing willingness to provide further information on the condition of receiving legal safeguards.
The investigation is set to intensify as SIT chief Pranav Mohanty is scheduled to arrive in Dakshina Kannada on Sunday. His visit aims to direct and supervise the subsequent steps in the ongoing inquiry. It is notable that a senior officer from the district has requested to be recused from participating in the SIT due to previous associations with a Dharmasthala-based educational institution, which could potentially affect the impartiality of the investigation.
Keywords: Dharmasthala Police Station, Mangaluru burial case, mass burials, SIT investigation, Dharmasthala, witness testimony, crime, police probe, hidden bodies, Karnataka crime