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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Karnataka State Women’s Commission urges action on online abuse targeting actor Ramya
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka State Women’s Commission, in a letter sent on Monday, urged the Bengaluru Police Commissioner to take action against the surge of online abuse directed at women, including former MP and actor Ramya, following "derogatory posts" on social media, allegedly made by fans of Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa.
"There is a report about derogatory messages being posted on social media against former MP and film actress Ramya. This is affecting the status of women, and the State Women's Commission has taken this matter seriously," the letter said.
A copy was shared with the media.
The Commission asked Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh to investigate the matter, take appropriate action against those responsible, and ensure that "the abusive content is removed from social media platforms."
Reports earlier indicated that Ramya (known as Divya Spandana) was planning to approach the police regarding the alleged harassment. She is said to be compiling the abusive messages to submit as part of her complaint.
On July 27, the actor shared screenshots of some of the posts on her Instagram page, claiming, "It is because of trolls with a misogynistic mindset that women and young girls are subjected to harassment, rape, and murder."
Ramya has consistently spoken out against the rising trend of online abuse targeting women, often calling out the violent and abusive nature of such trolling.
Thoogudeepa, a popular figure in the Kannada film industry, is currently out on bail in connection with the murder of 33-year-old Renukaswamy, a native of Chitradurga.
Renukaswamy, reportedly a fan of Thoogudeepa, was allegedly killed for posting derogatory remarks about Pavitra Gowda, an associate of the actor.
Thoogudeepa's fanbase, which refers to him as ‘D-Boss’, is known to "defend him aggressively on social media."
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