Dharmasthala case: Former judge demands SIT probe, seeks security for key witness

Dharmasthala case: Former judge demands SIT probe, seeks security for key witness

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, July 18, 2025: In the wake of serious allegations involving multiple cases of rape, murder, and bodies being buried in forests around Dharmasthala, retired Supreme Court judge V. Gopala Gowda has urged the Karnataka government to immediately provide security to the key witness and complainant.

He has also demanded that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) be formed under the supervision of a sitting or retired judge of the Supreme Court or High Court to ensure an impartial investigation.

Addressing a press conference on Thursday, Justice Gopala Gowda expressed grave concern over the lack of proper investigation, despite the witness having already recorded a formal statement before a magistrate. He alleged that police are pressuring the witness to mark burial sites on a blank sheet instead of conducting a proper investigation and are even leaking confidential witness testimonies.

The witness, accompanied by legal counsel, had informed both the police and the court about plans to visit specific locations to unearth remains. Yet, police reportedly failed to attend or act on the tip-off. The investigating officer, it was alleged, is merely following instructions received over the phone during questioning, raising doubts about the neutrality of the probe.

Justice Gopala Gowda strongly emphasized the need to restructure the investigation team and called for the immediate formation of an SIT under judicial oversight to ensure justice is served.

The press conference was also attended by senior advocate C.S. Dwarakanath, social thinker T. Narasimhmoorthy, and lawyers Balu, Umapathi, and Sudha Katwa, who collectively backed the demand for an independent and transparent probe.