Dharmasthala mass burial allegations: SIT likely to operate from Belthangady
Newly built police quarters to serve as SIT headquarters amid high-profile investigation
Belthangady: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Karnataka government to probe alleged criminal activities within the Dharmasthala police station limits is expected to operate from Belthangady itself, according to sources. Preparations are reportedly underway for the team’s operations.
The SIT will be housed in the newly constructed police residential quarters adjacent to the Belthangady police station. Though the building has not yet been officially inaugurated, it has been deemed suitable due to its ample space and close proximity to the police station, offering both convenience and security for investigation purposes. The SIT office is likely to commence operations today (July 25).
While an SIT office was earlier proposed in Mangaluru, the 75 km distance from Dharmasthala was considered a hindrance to the pace and efficiency of the investigation. This led to the decision to centralize the SIT’s functioning in Belthangady.
The Karnataka government had constituted the SIT on July 19 under the leadership of Director General of Police (Internal Security Division), Pranav Mohanty. Other key members include DIG (Recruitment Division) M.N. Anucheth, DCP (CAR Central) Soumya Latha, and SP (Internal Security Division) Jitendra Kumar Dayama.
State Police Chief Dr. M.A. Saleem has also issued orders to provide additional officers and support staff to assist the SIT in its investigation.
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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.
