FSL report on Dharmasthala skulls submitted, cause of death unclear
Mangaluru (PTI): The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) on Wednesday submitted its report on three skulls and bone remains examined as part of the SIT probe into the alleged case of multiple murders, rapes and burials in Dharmasthala over the past two decades, prompted by claims from complainant CN Chinnaiah, sources in the Special Investigation Team said.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) got the first report of the FSL analysis of the human remains found in the area, they said.
According to the SIT sources, the report details that the skull presented by Chinnaiah in court belonged to an approximately 40-year-old male.
According to the report, the second skull and bones, recovered from Spot-6, were identified as those of a male aged 25-30 years. A third set of remains, found at Spot-15 near tree roots, belonged to a male aged 35-39 years, the sources added.
The FSL analysis found no evidence of fractures or injuries related to assault on any of the remains. The cause of death for all three individuals could not be determined, a source said.
Samples have been sent to the FSL in Ahmedabad for further testing to investigate potential poisoning, he said.
Additionally, the samples of some more skulls and skeletal remains, which were recovered during a subsequent excavation at Banglegudde, are yet to be sent for forensic examination, sources said.
The SIT continues its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the remains and their connection to Chinnaiah's allegations.
Authorities have not released further details on the progress of the probe or the context of the findings.
The report's inconclusive nature regarding the cause of death has left the investigation open, with forensic analysis of the additional remains expected to provide more clarity.
The case remains under scrutiny as the SIT awaits results from the ongoing test.
A controversy erupted after a complainant, later identified as C N Chinnaiah and arrested on charges of perjury, claimed burying a number of bodies, including those of women with signs of sexual assault, in Dharmasthala over a period of time, with the implications pointing towards the administrators of the local temple. The BJP had protested against targeting the temple. Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar had also warned of action if the complaint was false.
Veerendra Heggade, the Dharmadhikari or the custodian of the temple too had welcomed the constitution of the SIT.
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Have no personal involvement in Cong’s action against some minority leaders: Shivakumar
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Friday said he has no personal involvement in action taken against certain Congress leaders from the minority community following allegations of an internal conspiracy during the recently held Davanagere South bypolls.
He clarified that the decisions were taken by the party high command based on available reports.
Asserting that party discipline is of utmost importance, Shivakumar, who is also the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president, sought to downplay concerns that action against minority leaders may send the message that “Muslims are being targeted.”
“I don’t have any personal involvement in this. Whatever decisions are taken are made by the party leadership. The party has its own reports. Decisions regarding MLAs or MLCs cannot be taken at the state level without instructions from Delhi,” he said.
Speaking to reporters, he added, “People may blame me; I am not concerned. Everyone must function in accordance with party discipline.”
Responding to concerns within sections of the party that recent actions may convey the impression that minority leaders are being targeted, he said the Congress exists for the welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, minorities, backward classes, farmers, and all sections of society.
The Congress has suspended MLC K Abdul Jabbar from primary membership and relieved another MLC, Naseer Ahmed, from the post of Chief Minister’s political secretary.
The action followed allegations by a group of Muslim leaders that certain party members conspired to defeat the official candidate in Davanagere South.
Following the action, speculation has emerged that Housing Minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan may also face disciplinary measures during the next cabinet reshuffle.
The three leaders had reportedly sought a Muslim candidate for the Davanagere South bypoll ticket, which the party instead allotted to the late MLA Shamanur Shivashankarappa’s grandson, Samarth Mallikarjun.
They were also said to have not actively participated in the campaign.
Shivakumar also rejected claims of factionalism within the ruling party amid speculation that leaders close to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah were being targeted.
Naseer Ahmed and Zameer Ahmed Khan are considered close to the CM.
Rejecting allegations of factionalism within the party, Shivakumar said, “We speak to each other every day. It is the media that creates divisions. Where is my faction? Has anyone put up a board saying they belong to the Siddaramaiah faction? Have I put up any such board?”
“All 139 legislators are my people, and they are all Siddaramaiah’s people as well. Everyone belongs to the Congress,” he added, saying there are no factions within the party and that such claims are media-driven.
Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Satish Jarkiholi met Shivakumar on Friday, a day after expressing concerns that disciplinary action against minority leaders may send the wrong message.
Shivakumar said he discussed with Jarkiholi the need to decongest Bengaluru traffic by diverting vehicles entering the city from state and national highways, along with party-related issues.
“We also discussed political matters in the interest of the party and the need to work together,” he said.
Later, speaking to reporters, Jarkiholi said he discussed with Shivakumar the issue of withdrawing Jabbar’s suspension. He said he will also visit New Delhi next week to meet the high command and discuss state developments.
“Jabbar’s suspension was discussed (with Shivakumar). It should be withdrawn. Let’s issue him a notice and allow him to reply. Then let’s send the report to the high command and seek their approval. High command approval is necessary because the instructions came from there. It may take some time,” he said.
Stating that he met the KPCC chief for “damage control,” the minister said, “We have tried to convince him. Sometimes certain decisions happen that need rectification.”
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