Karnataka Women's Commission seeks SIT probe into unnatural deaths, disappearances in Dharmasthala
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka State Women's Commission Chairperson Nagalakshmi Choudhary has urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe cases of disappearances, unnatural deaths, and sexual assaults in Dharmasthala over the past two decades.
Dharmasthala in Dakshina Kannada district is a major pilgrimage centre, and Lord Manjunatha is the prime deity there.
Citing recent media reports and a statement made in court by an individual who claimed that "hundreds of bodies" had been buried in the area, Choudhary described the situation as "deeply alarming, which requires immediate and impartial investigation."
In a letter to the Chief Minister on Monday, Choudhary said, "The Commission has taken serious note of the reports aired by some media outlets on July 12, 2025, which included claims about the recovery of a human skull. Concerns were raised by the family of a missing medical student. These revelations point towards possible systematic abuse, murder, rape, and unexplained deaths involving women and students."
The chairperson further alleged that numerous families had approached the police in the past regarding missing persons, but many were met with indifference or inadequate response from the authorities.
"There are allegations that police personnel failed to act appropriately when families attempted to register complaints about missing women or unnatural deaths," she stated.
Given the grave nature of the allegations and the possibility of crimes left unaddressed, unresolved for a long time, the Women's Commission has urged the state government to establish an SIT led by senior police officers.
"We request the formation of a high-level SIT to conduct a thorough and unbiased investigation into all cases of missing women and students, unnatural deaths or murders, and sexual assault incidents reported in the Dharmasthala region over the past 20 years," Choudhary said.
The State Government is yet to respond to the Commission's appeal.
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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."
