Dharmasthala Mass Burial Case: Citing tip-off, SP says complainant may flee after exhumation
Says grave digging will happen at right time
Mangaluru, July 16: In a fresh development in the ongoing Dharmasthala mass burial case, Dakshina Kannada Superintendent of Police Dr Arun K has issued a formal statement responding to the latest allegations, clearing the air on the current status of the investigation and detailing the legal steps being followed.
One of the most striking parts of the statement is the police’s concern that the witness complainant whose revelations have triggered this high-profile case might go into hiding once the grave-digging process is completed. The SP confirmed that this possibility has been flagged by local sources and conveyed to the lawyers representing the witness. He said that authorities are taking this concern seriously and are examining it closely as it could have significant implications for the investigation’s credibility and outcome.
“Local sources have reportedly tipped off the police about the possibility that the witness-complainant might abscond after the exhumation process is completed. There are growing concerns that the urgency being shown in pushing for grave digging without following proper legal procedures could be linked to this suspicion,” the SP stated in the press statement.
The SP’s remarks come at a time when the complainant’s lawyers have accused the police of delaying exhumation of human remains despite the witness's cooperation and submission of skeletal fragments. Responding to these accusations, the SP clarified that any exhumation will take place only when the investigating officer deems it necessary and legally appropriate. He stressed that the process will strictly follow legal protocol and cannot be rushed under pressure.
The case, which has caught attention across Karnataka and even nationally, revolves around explosive claims made by a former sanitation worker who alleged that he was forced to bury several bodies in and around Dharmasthala village many years ago. Earlier this month, he appeared before a magistrate and submitted skeletal remains as initial evidence, which has since been sent for forensic analysis.
In his statement, the SP also revealed that the police team has learned recently that a petition connected to this case has already been filed before the Hon’ble Supreme Court. However, this critical piece of information was not shared with the investigation team by the complainant or his legal counsel. The police are now in the process of verifying the nature and relevance of this petition to the current investigation. The SP added that the police should have been informed about such a significant legal step, especially as it may have implications on the ongoing proceedings.
Another major point addressed was the police’s formal request to the court seeking permission to conduct forensic tests on the witness-complainant. The SP said a report has been submitted seeking court approval for brain mapping, fingerprint analysis, and narco analysis. These procedures, however, will only be undertaken if the complainant gives his written consent.
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Power tariffs under BESCOM to rise from May 1
Bengaluru (PTI): Power bills for consumers under the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) will go up from May 1, following an order issued by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) on Friday.
The hike comes after KERC allowed the BESCOM to recover a revenue deficit of Rs 2,068 crore incurred in 2024-25, from the consumers.
As a result, for every unit of electricity consumed in 2024-25, the customers will be charged an additional 56 paise, it said.
"BESCOM shall calculate, for each of the active consumers of FY2024-25 the amount to be recovered based on their actual energy consumption during FY2024-25. Such amount shall be recovered during FY 2026-27 in equal monthly instalments, to be called as 'FY25 True up Charges', commencing from the first meter reading date falling on or after 1 May 2026 and concluding with the reading date ending on 30 April 2027," the order said.
"It is further ordered that BESCOM shall maintain a separate head of account, allocated for the purpose, to record the adjustment of the said amount to ensure full recovery of the deficit," it added.
Similarly Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (CESC) has also recorded a revenue deficit of Rs 121.71 crore and can collect an additional 15 paisa per unit for consumption in 2024-25, official sources said.
