Dharmasthala cases: Kin of missing woman willing to cooperate if 1986 case is reopened
Mangaluru, July 24 (PTI): The sister of a 19-year-old woman, who went missing nearly four decades ago in Dharmasthala on Thursday expressed her willingness to cooperate with the Special Investigation Team (SIT) if the case is reopened.
Padmalatha, a second-year pre-university student in Ujire, was reported missing on December 22, 1986, after she left home to attend her college’s annual day celebration.
After nearly two months, her skeletal remains were discovered with her limbs tied, indicating possible foul play.
Speaking to reporters, Padmalatha’s sister Chandravathy said that despite large public protests at the time, the case had failed to progress even after being transferred to the CID.
“The case was eventually closed with no resolution,” she said.
However, the recent formation of an SIT to examine multiple high-profile cold cases in the region has renewed hope for justice, Chandravathy said.
“If the SIT decides to reopen Padmalatha’s case, I am ready to extend full cooperation,” she added.
There has been renewed public and media interest in long-pending cases in Dharmasthala, particularly after recent allegations surrounding unidentified graves found in the area.
No official announcement has been made yet on whether Padmalatha’s case will be taken up afresh.
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.
Attack on Indian-flagged merchant ship off Oman coast unacceptable: MEA
New Delhi (PTI): An Indian-flagged commercial vessel has come under attack off the coast of Oman but all its 14 crew members are safe, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.
It is not immediately known who carried out the strike on the vessel on Wednesday.
The MEA described the attack as "unacceptable".
"The attack on an Indian-flagged ship off the coast of Oman yesterday is unacceptable and we deplore the fact that commercial shipping and civilian mariners continue to be targeted," it said.
"All Indian crew on board are safe and we thank the Omani authorities for rescuing them," it said.
The MEA said India reiterates that targeting commercial shipping and endangering innocent civilian crew members, or otherwise impeding freedom of navigation and commerce, should be avoided.
The vessel was sailing from Somalia and the strike triggered a fire that led to sinking of the vessel, it is learnt.
The crew members were rescued by Oman's Coast Guard and taken to Diba port.
At least two other Indian-flagged ships have been attacked since the war between the US and Iran began on February 28.
The latest attack came amid the fragile security situation in the Strait of Hormuz.
