Government transfers Dharmasthala mass burial case to SIT
Karnataka Home Department issues formal order
Mangaluru: The Karnataka government has officially transferred the investigation into the shocking Dharmasthala serial murder allegations to a Special Investigation Team (SIT), following explosive media reports and a formal request from the Karnataka State Women’s Commission.
In a government order dated July 19, 2025, the Home Department announced the formation of the SIT to conduct a comprehensive and impartial probe into the disturbing allegations, including mass graves, sexual violence, and the disappearance of women and students in and around Dharmasthala over the past two decades.
Dakshina Kannada Superintendent of Police Dr. Arun K. confirmed the development in a press statement, saying: "The government has officially handed over case number 39/2025 of Dharmasthala Police Station to the SIT as of July 19. The team will soon assume charge of the investigation."
The probe stems from a chilling statement submitted by a former sanitation worker in court, claiming to have buried hundreds of human bodies in the Dharmasthala region. On July 12, national media outlets, including Times Now, reported the discovery of a human skull and the testimony of a family alleging the disappearance of a female medical student.
The Karnataka State Women’s Commission took serious note of these reports and, in its letter dated July 14 (Ref: 481/2025-26/7817), urged the state government to constitute an SIT. The Commission highlighted patterns of unnatural deaths, rape, disappearances, and brutal violence spanning over two decades, predominantly involving women and girl students.
The SIT will be led by Dr. Pronab Mohanty, IPS, Director General of Police (Internal Security Division), Bangalore, who will act as the Chief of the team. Other members include:
M.N. Anucheth, IPS, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Recruitment), Bangalore
Soumya Latha, IPS, Deputy Commissioner of Police, CAR Headquarters, Bangalore City
Jitendra Kumar Dayama, IPS, Superintendent of Police, Internal Security Division, Bangalore
The SIT has been empowered to investigate not only the registered case (Crime No. 39/2025 under Section 211A of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita) but also any other related criminal cases that may have been registered or could be registered in other police stations across Karnataka.
The team has been instructed to operate out of the Dakshina Kannada district police headquarters and may draw upon available local resources. It is also mandated to submit periodic updates to the Director General and Inspector General of Police, and ultimately, a final investigation report to the state government via the DGP's office.
The order, issued by S Ambika, Under Secretary, Department of Home (Crimes), was circulated to senior officials including the Chief Secretary, Home Minister’s Secretariat, and Principal Secretaries of rlevant departments.
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Experience comes when you play bigger teams in bilateral series: Rashid Khan
Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.
Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.
However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.
"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.
The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.
"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.
With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.
"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."
Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.
"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.
"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."
