Sujatha Bhat says no to police summons, alleges officer helped leak witness confession
Writes letter to CJI, CM against investigating officer of Dharmasthala Mass Burial case
Mangaluru: A complaint has been submitted by a senior citizen, Sujatha Bhat, mother of Ananya Bhat, a medical student who went missing over two decades ago, raising allegations of misconduct and breach of confidentiality by the Dharmasthala PSI while investigating the Mass Burial case.
In a formal complaint submitted through her advocate, Sujatha Bhat has raised concerns over what she calls the unlawful disclosure of a confidential witness statement recorded in the Dharmasthala mass burial investigation. The complaint has been addressed to the Chief Justice of India, the Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court, the Director General & Inspector General of Police, the Chief Minister of Karnataka, and the State Home Minister.
The statement points to a serious breach of legal procedure, stating that a confession made before a police officer, involving information about the burial sites of multiple bodies, was made public in violation of confidentiality rules. This, the legal team claims, not only endangers the witness but also casts doubt on the integrity of the investigation.
The press release draws a direct connection between this act and the Dharmasthala mass burial case, in which a former sanitation worker recently appeared before a magistrate, confessed to burying bodies under coercion, and submitted skeletal remains. The case has since triggered fresh forensic investigations and state-wide attention. Sujatha Bhat's daughter Ananya went missing in the same area two decades ago, and the family has long suspected foul play. With the recent revelations, they believe Ananya’s disappearance could be linked to the alleged mass burials.
Sujatha Bhat, who is now a senior citizen with no immediate family support, says the conduct of the officer has left her with no confidence in the fairness of the probe. Her lawyer stated that the officer’s behaviour has been “biased, unprofessional, and unlawful,” and that the trust in the investigation has completely broken down.
In response to a recent notice served to her, Sujatha Bhat has decided not to appear before the officer, citing legitimate concerns regarding the impartiality and lawfulness of the investigation. Her legal team has informed the authorities that she will be filing a detailed complaint justifying her refusal to comply with the officer's summons. In the meantime, her legal counsel has advised the police officer to escalate the matter to his superiors and strictly follow legal procedures moving forward.
The press note further urges the concerned police officer to reflect on his duties as a public servant and ensure that all actions moving forward strictly adhere to the law. It also advises him to immediately bring this issue to the attention of his senior officers, should his role require it.
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Parliamentary panel to summon airline executives, regulator over flight disruptions
New Delhi (PTI): A parliamentary panel is likely to summon top executives of private airlines and the civil aviation regulator over the mass cancellation of IndiGo flights that has left thousands of travellers stranded across the country's airports.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture, chaired by JD(U) leader Sanjay Jha, is likely to seek an explanation from top executives of airlines and officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation about the cause of disruption in air services and possible solutions.
A member said the panel has taken serious note of the difficulties faced by thousands of passengers due to disruption in air services.
Even parliamentarians, who were in the national capital for the Winter Session, faced the brunt of flight cancellations by IndiGo and delays by other airlines, the panel member said.
Several MPs also received complaints from people about air fares shooting up due to the scenario.
Meanwhile, CPI(M) Rajya Sabha member John Brittas, who is not part of the standing committee on transport, has demanded setting up of a joint parliamentary committee or a judicial inquiry into the large-scale disruption of flights.
IndiGo cancelled more than 220 flights at Delhi and Mumbai airports on Sunday, as the disruptions entered the sixth day even as efforts were on to normalise operations.
The aviation regulator, DGCA, on Saturday sent notices to IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers and COO and Accountable Manager Porqueras, seeking explanation.
In a statement issued on Sunday, IndiGo said the Board of Interglobe Aviation, its parent company, has set up a Crisis Management Group, which is meeting regularly to monitor the situation. The company's Board of Directors is doing everything possible to take care of the challenges faced by its customers and ensure refunds to passengers, it said.
