Karnataka Activists Applaud SIT Formation for Dharmasthala Probe, Urge Swift Action

Bengaluru: Jagruta Nagareekaru, Karnataka, a collective of writers and activists, has expressed strong support for the Karnataka government’s decision to establish a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate serious allegations of murders and secret burials in Dharmasthala, Dakshina Kannada district. The group, in a statement released on Sunday, praised the move as a critical step toward uncovering the truth behind these disturbing claims.
The SIT, led by Director General of Police (Internal Security Division) Pronab Mohanty, includes Deputy Inspector General of Police (Recruitment) M N Anucheth, Deputy Commissioner of Police (City Armed Reserve headquarters) Sowmyalatha, and Superintendent of Police (Internal Security Division) Jitendra Kumar Dayama. The team has been tasked with probing a case registered at the Dharmasthala police station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, as well as any related criminal cases across Karnataka.
Jagruta Nagareekaru emphasized the need for a thorough and transparent investigation, urging the SIT to collaborate with organizations and activists who have long advocated for justice in the region. The group also called for the investigation to be completed within a specific timeframe to ensure prompt resolution and accountability.
The allegations, which include a series of murders and covert burials, have sparked widespread public outcry. The formation of the SIT follows demands from various quarters, including the Karnataka State Commission for Women, lawyers, and former Supreme Court judge V Gopala Gowda, who have all pressed for a comprehensive inquiry. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had previously indicated that the government would consider forming an SIT based on a police report, a commitment now fulfilled with the team’s establishment.
The temple administration of Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala has also welcomed the SIT probe, expressing hope that it will reveal the truth and restore public trust. The investigation is seen as a pivotal moment for addressing long-standing concerns in the region, with activists and authorities alike stressing the importance of justice and transparency.