Form SIT under IPS Pronab Mohanty: Lawyers urge probe in alleged Dharmasthala killings case
Bengaluru: Amid growing outrage over shocking allegations in the Dharmasthala serial killings case, a strong and united call has emerged from civil society and the legal fraternity demanding the immediate formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the leadership of senior IPS officer Pronab Mohanty.
The demand follows a complaint filed recently at the Dharmasthala police station by an individual who alleged the presence of multiple buried bodies in and around the village in Belthangady taluk. The complainant also testified before a local court on July 11, drawing widespread public attention to the case.
Speaking to the media, advocates Ojasvi Gowda and Sachin Deshpande, representing the complainant, urged the Karnataka government to constitute an SIT led by a senior, impartial officer. Citing precedents from the Karnataka High Court, the lawyers emphasised that only a high-level, credible and independent investigation can uncover the full truth behind these alleged serial killings.
They specifically referenced the April 25, 2025 order by the Karnataka High Court in Writ Petition No. 8403 of 2025, in which the court had acknowledged Pranab Mohanty's leadership and directed that an SIT be formed under his supervision in a similar matter. This, they argued, further justifies his appointment in the current case.
The advocates pointed out that the earlier experience with the SIT constituted in the 2012 Sowjanya case had ended in controversy and public disappointment. That failure, they said, underlines the urgent need to ensure the current SIT is effective, transparent and driven by integrity.
In their statement, they noted: “A truly independent and competent SIT is not just desirable, it is absolutely essential to deliver justice to the victims. The disturbing complexity of this case demands a thorough and credible investigation to restore public trust.”
The lawyers added that many in the legal profession, including retired judges, prominent activists, and senior advocates, had come forward in support of the demand for an SIT. They also called for transparency in the appointment of investigating officers (IOs) and supervisory staff, insisting that all members of the SIT be individuals with proven integrity, and that these appointments be made based on recommendations by Mohanty himself.
Further, they emphasised the need for a publicly accessible, documented process that ensures the selection of officers follows strict ethical protocols.
“We have no personal or professional connection with Mr. Pronab Mohanty. Our collective appeal is rooted solely in our responsibility as legal professionals confronting a case of serious public importance. In such testing circumstances, we believe it is our duty to amplify this widespread call for justice,” the advocates stated.
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Goa nightclub blaze: Three senior government officials suspended
Panaji (PTI) Three senior officials of the Goa government, including the then Director of Panchayat, were suspended on Sunday in connection with the nightclub fire tragedy for their role in allowing the facility to start operations in 2023, a senior officer said.
A massive fire tore through the nightclub in the early hours of Sunday, claiming 25 lives, including five tourists and 20 staff members.
The suspended officials include Siddhi Tushar Harlankar, who was then Director of Panchayat, Dr Shamila Monteiro, who was then Member Secretary of the Goa State Pollution Control Board, and Raghuvir Bagkar, then Secretary of Village Panchayat Arpora-Nagoa.
They are held responsible for giving permission to 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub at Arpora to start its operations in 2023, a senior officer said.
Police questioned Roshan Redkar, the sarpanch of Arpora-Nagoa Panchayat, who had issued a trade licence to the club.
