Karnataka Forms SIT Led by Pronab Mohanty to Investigate Dharmasthala Case

Quick Summary

• Formation of SIT: Karnataka government constituted a Special Examination Team (SIT) headed by DGP pronab Mohanty on July 20, 2025, to probe allegations of multiple murders and burials in Dharmasthala.
• Team Members: The team includes M.N. Anucheth (DIG, recruitment), Sowmyalatha (DCP CAR Headquarters), and Jitendra Kumar Dayama (SP, Internal Security Division).
• Whistleblower Claims: A former sanitation employee alleged involvement in burying numerous bodies following rapes and murders over several years. His statement has been recorded before a magistrate.
• Investigation Details: Local police sought court permission for narco-analysis and brain mapping of the whistleblower while considering exhumation timing for bodies.
• Demand for SIT:

– Karnataka State Commission for Women highlighted reports of serious crimes over two decades requiring further investigation.
– Lawyers representing the complainant requested an SIT led by mr. Mohanty during a meeting with CM Siddaramaiah.
– Former Supreme Court Justice V. Gopala Gowda also criticized lapses by local police and supported the formation of the SIT.

• Instructions to SIT: The state police head is directed to transfer all relevant cases from Dharmasthala to the newly formed SIT,with allocated resources in Dakshina Kannada. progressive reports will be presented to DG IGP.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The establishment of an SIT reflects growing public pressure demanding accountability and thorough investigation into deeply disturbing allegations tied to Dharmasthala over several years. The inclusion of senior officials suggests intent toward ensuring extensive scrutiny free from jurisdictional delays or biases that may hinder justice.

However, challenges remain substantial-from verifying whistleblower claims through advanced investigative techniques like narco-analysis or exhumations-to addressing broader concerns raised by activists about law enforcement’s alleged shortcomings in handling previous complaints linked to sexual harassment, unnatural deaths, rapes, and missing persons cases spanning two decades.

This case highlights systemic gaps requiring institutional improvements within investigative frameworks as well as continued vigilance from human rights organizations and legal advocates in ensuring transparency at every phase-a critical step toward justice ultimately being served.

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