Mother seeks justice 22 years after daughter’s mysterious disappearance in Dharmasthala

Mother seeks justice 22 years after daughter’s mysterious disappearance in Dharmasthala

Mangalore Today News Network

Belthangady, July 16, 2025: Two decades after the mysterious disappearance of medical student Ananya Bhat from Dharmasthala, her mother Sujata Bhat (60) has renewed her plea for justice. On July 15, Sujata met Dakshina Kannada Superintendent of Police and later filed a formal complaint at the Dharmasthala Police Station, accompanied by her legal counsel, High Court advocate Manjunath N.

Sujata submitted the complaint to Sub-Inspector Samarth R. Ganiger around 8 p.m. Police have registered the case and assured further investigation.

Ananya Bhat, a 20-year-old MBBS student, had visited the Dharmasthala temple with two friends in 2003, after which she went missing under mysterious circumstances. Speaking to the media, Sujata recalled that she had approached the Belthangady police at the time, but her complaint was not accepted. “They said my daughter may have gone somewhere with someone and sent me back. She never returned,” she said.

Following her husband’s death, Sujata said Ananya had been her only support. “I have lived with this pain for 22 years,” she added.

Recently, Sujata came across media reports about a person who claimed to have disposed of unidentified bodies in Dharmasthala and later made a statement in court. This gave her hope that there might be information about her daughter. She then approached advocate Manjunath N., and together they appealed to the SP for action.

Sujata has requested authorities to trace her daughter’s skeletal remains and conduct a DNA test. “I only wish to perform her last rites as per Hindu customs and bring peace to her soul. I have no complaints against anyone and do not seek anything else,” she stated.