Belthangady: Labourers have begun digging operations near the Netravati bathing ghat in Dharmasthala at a riverside location identified by the key witness in the ongoing investigation.

Despite heavy rainfall hampering the operation, workers have commenced excavation at the first spot marked by the complainant. The SIT has prioritised this location as part of its search for possible buried remains. 

The development has drawn large crowds, with hundreds of curious onlookers gathering near the Netravati ghat to witness the activity. Once excavation at the initial site is complete, the team is expected to move on to the next identified location. 

Officials have indicated that the search team is likely to exit the forest area only during the midday meal break.

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Bengaluru (PTI): A complaint has been lodged against a city-based dermatologist for allegedly spreading misinformation about Nandini milk products on social media and misleading the public, police said on Thursday.

The complaint was lodged by Padmavathi R, an officer of the Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF), which owns the popular Nandini brand, seeking legal action against Dr Sharanya Padma.

In her complaint, Padmavathi stated that Padma had uploaded reels on February 8 claiming that "Nandini products such as cream bun, strawberry-flavoured milk and other beverages are toxic and contain chemicals, and consuming them daily could lead to autoimmune diseases and serious health issues. Long-term consumption will definitely result in cancer in the future."

According to the complaint, the doctor also alleged that strawberry-flavoured milk "does not contain natural strawberries but is prepared by adding artificial colours and preservatives," and questioned how the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had granted permission for the manufacture of such products.

She further claimed in the reel that consuming these products would damage health and that KMF, being a government company, was producing and marketing them for profit.

The complaint quoted her as stating that "these products are not real food but poisonous in nature and KMF should not release such products into the market."

Padmavathi stated that baseless allegations about certain Nandini brand products were being made on social media and that such "false propaganda" had created unnecessary confusion among crores of consumers who had grown up with the brand since childhood.

In a press release issued on February 18, KMF clarified that it strictly adheres to all food safety standards and approved procedures prescribed by statutory authorities and FSSAI. It assured that all Nandini milk and milk products are completely safe for consumption and that consumers need not panic.

The Federation also "strongly condemned such baseless, misleading and brand-defaming statements" and said it was committed to taking legal action against those involved in such malicious acts.

Based on the complaint, police are examining the matter and further action is likely in accordance with law.

There was no immediate reaction from Dr Padma.