Dharmasthala case: Sujatha Bhat’s lawyer raises concern about shortage of GPR equipment
Mangaluru: Advocate Manjunath N, legal counsel for Sujatha Bhat, mother of missing medical student Ananya Bhat, has raised serious concerns regarding an alleged artificial shortage of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) equipment crucial to the ongoing Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the mass burials case in Dharmasthala.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, Advocate Manjunath highlighted that there has been a deliberate blocking of access to GPR technology, which is essential for locating potential human remains at identified sites in Dharmasthala. Sujatha Bhat, whose daughter went missing in 2003, has been actively urging the SIT to deploy advanced GPR methods in the investigation.
“There are very few private sector suppliers of GPR in India, and we have received information that existing equipment has been pre-booked by unknown vested interests,” the statement read. It further alleged that certain private firms were being discouraged, or even threatened, against cooperating with the SIT by providing the necessary equipment.
The advocate urged members of the media and investigative journalists to probe this suspicious trend, including whether there has been a surge in equipment bookings coinciding with the timeline of the Dharmasthala probe, and whether any pressure or inducements have been placed on GPR suppliers.
Furthermore, the advocate expressed strong appreciation for the SIT’s efforts under the leadership of DGP Pranab Mohanty, praising the team’s professionalism and resolve in pursuing the sensitive case.
Any attempt to block the availability of essential technology would be a grave injustice to the families of missing persons, he added.
“They deserve nothing less than a thorough, scientific investigation. The people of Karnataka and India have the right to know the truth,” the advocate said.
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Minor girl kidnapped and raped; main accused and two cafe owners held
Latur (PTI): A minor girl was allegedly kidnapped and raped by an 18-year-old man in Latur, leading to the arrest of the main accused and owners of two cafes where the crime occurred on December 4, police said on Saturday.
Police traced the girl within hours of registering the complaint. The accused, identified as Rihan Gulab Shaikh, was arrested based on the girl's complaint. Two others are owners of two cafes where the crime occurred, police said.
Police registered a case under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), POCSO Act, and the Prevention of Atrocities Act, an official said.
