Let SIT probe bring out truth on mass burials in Dharmasthala: U T Khader

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, July 21, 2025: Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U T Khader said on Monday, a thorough investigation must take place in the alleged mass burial case in Dharmasthala. Let the investigation by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the state government bring out the truth, he said.

While reacting to a query on SIT probing the mass burials, he said a proper investigation must take place, the truth must come out, and legal action should follow. "However, arriving at prejudiced conclusions or judgement even before the investigation is complete is not right. The sanctity of a holy place should not be compromised. There is a need to introspect on coming to a judgement before the investigation is completed," he said.

’Harmony is important than name’

To a query on the ongoing demand for renaming Dakshina Kannada district as Mangaluru, he said “A name carries tradition, history, and culture. It is essential to discuss the pros and cons with scholars, writers, historians and experts and arrive at a consensus."

"For Mangaluru to progress, a harmonious atmosphere is more important than the name. We must all work towards establishing communal harmony. More than a name, what Mangaluru truly needs is a society filled with love, trust, fearlessness, and free of hatred. Let this be discussed,” Khader added. Assembly Monsoon Session

Assembly Monsoon Session

The Speaker said that the monsoon session of the Legislative Assembly and Council will be held from August 11 to 22. If there is a need to extend the duration of the session, the business advisory committee comprising the CM, the Leader of Opposition, and the Speaker will discuss and decide on it, he said.

Ullal to Get two residential educational institutions for minority girls

As announced in Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s budget, two separate residential educational institutions will be established in the Ullal constituency specifically for minority girls. These institutions will be set up under the Wakf and Minority Welfare Departments with the aim of promoting girls’ education.

Legislative Assembly Speaker and Ullal MLA U.T. Khader informed that cabinet approval has already been granted for one institution under the Minority Welfare Department, with ₹17 crore sanctioned. The institution under the Wakf Board has also received approval, and financial clearance is currently underway with the Finance Department. Approval is expected shortly.

Addressing a press meet, Khader said, “Based on the demand for hostels and quality education for girls, two separate institutions are being planned. The Minority Welfare Department’s institute will be located in Konaje or Pajir, making it accessible for residents of Vittla and Melkar regions. It will offer residential education from primary up to graduation level. Another institution under the Wakf Board will be established within Ullal city limits to provide PU and higher education. Both institutions will accommodate local as well as outstation students.”

Admissions will follow a 70:30 ratio—70% for minority students and 30% for others. “We have ensured English medium education is available in every village of the Ullal constituency, at least up to high school. In some areas, private institutions were previously operating LKG and UKG classes. Now, the government has directed the Education Department to take over these operations. Already, eight government schools offer LKG and UKG, and English medium education will be introduced in all government schools,” Khader added.

Drone Survey to Identify Encroachments

Khader also expressed concern over Ullal’s recurring flooding issue. “Every year, Ullal gets flooded during the rains. If this continues, Ullal will face a situation similar to Bengaluru, where even light rains cause waterlogging. The encroachments on stormwater drains must be cleared,” he said.

To tackle this, a drone survey will be conducted to identify and mark encroachments. “It’s better if those who have encroached clear the land themselves rather than waiting for officials to act,” he advised.

Khader also shared an update on a long-pending demand: the Ullal railway crossing. He announced that the Railway Department has approved an underpass project at a cost of ₹2 crore.