Complaint filed before High Court judges alleging attempts to obstruct Dharmasthala SIT probe
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Bengaluru: Serious allegations have emerged that organised efforts are being made to weaken the functioning of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged mass burials, disappearances, and suspicious deaths in Dharmasthala. A complaint has been submitted to judges of the Karnataka High Court seeking registration of a suo motu case in this regard.
The petition was filed by Raghu Janagere, a member of the “Lanchmukta Karnataka Nirmana Vedike,” who has also forwarded a copy to the Chief Justice of India, Justice B.R. Gavai. The letter was addressed to Karnataka High Court Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru.
In his submission, Janagere urged the High Court to take immediate suo motu cognisance of the matter. He alleged that vested interests were exerting pressure to derail the SIT’s ongoing investigations.
The SIT was constituted by the Karnataka government on July 19, 2025, following allegations that hundreds of bodies had been illegally buried in Dharmasthala over the years. The team was tasked with investigating cases of disappearances and suspicious deaths spanning the last 25 years. Among these is the infamous October 9, 2012 case involving the rape and murder of 17-year-old Soujanya, which remains unresolved despite sustained protests by activists.
The complaint further alleged that attempts were being made to prevent victims and activists from approaching the SIT. Instead, police complaints were being filed against them to intimidate families and witnesses, thereby creating a climate of fear.
Notable activists such as Mahesh Shetty Timarodi, Girish Mattannavar, Sameer M.D., and Jayanth have been named in multiple police cases. Even Sujata Bhatt, reportedly suffering from psychological trauma, has been targeted in this manner, the petition claimed.
Janagere alleged that this was the result of collusion between vested interests and certain police officials, aimed at weakening the SIT’s work. He requested the High Court to monitor the case under the supervision of a retired judge to ensure impartiality.
The petition also sought strict directions to the police to prevent misuse of the system against activists, victims, and witnesses.
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India moving towards becoming global economic powerhouse: Kovind
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Amritsar (PTI): Former president Ram Nath Kovind on Friday said that with digital transformation, economic reforms and a strong focus on the ease of doing business, India is moving towards becoming a global economic powerhouse.
He was speaking after inaugurating the 19th edition of the Punjab International Trade Expo (PITEX) in Amritsar.
The former president said that this 19th edition of PITEX is being organised at a time when India is recognised as one of the fastest-growing large economies in the world.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the event organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) the former president, while referring to Punjab, said the state is a living example of courage, sacrifice and enterprise.
"The spiritual light of Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) inspires peace and humanity across the world. The heritage of Punjab is deep and inspiring," Kovind said, according to a statement issued by the PITEX.
The former president congratulated the PHDCCI for hosting the 19th edition of PITEX and suggested that the chamber should expand PITEX outside Punjab.
He proposed that a similar event should also be held in New Delhi.
