Dharmasthala Mass Burial Probe Gains Momentum as New Witness Approaches SIT

Dharmasthala Mass Burial Probe Gains Momentum as New Witness Approaches SIT

Mangalore Today News Network

Beltangady, Aug 3, 2025: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) inquiry into alleged mass burials in Dharmasthala gained momentum after a local resident, Jayanth T, formally lodged a complaint citing a first-hand account of an unreported burial from 15 years ago.

Speaking to the media after meeting SIT officials, Jayanth claimed he had personally witnessed the burial of a young girl without any police intervention, legal procedures, or post-mortem examination. “The body was buried in secrecy. I saw it with my own eyes,” he said.

He stated that fear of repercussions had prevented him from coming forward earlier, but the formation of the SIT and increased public attention had given him the courage to speak up. “This issue is bigger than one case. There have been several such incidents in the village, covered up over the years,” he alleged.

Jayanth also linked the matter to a personal tragedy—his missing niece, Padmalatha—and said more individuals were now ready to file complaints. “Five to six people are prepared to come forward. This is just the beginning,” he said.

He is expected to return on Monday with a more detailed complaint. SIT officials advised the delay due to a government holiday.

The SIT probe now appears poised to enter a crucial phase, with more testimonies likely to surface in the coming days.

Allegation of Coercion by SIT Officer in Dharmasthala Mass Burial Case

Advocate Ananya Gowda has accused sub-inspector Manjunath Gowda of the SIT of coercing her client—a 50-year-old sanitation worker who alleged mass burials in Dharmasthala—into retracting his complaint. In an email to the SIT, she claimed the officer threatened jail time and forced the complainant to disown his statement on camera. The advocate demanded the officer’s removal for a fair probe. The SIT has not responded yet. 

Meanwhile, Samana Manaskara Vedike staged a protest in Bengaluru, demanding a thorough investigation into alleged rapes and murders in Dharmasthala.