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.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
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."
