Dharmasthala Mass Burial: Earth work was carried out at marked site number 1, says Sujatha Bhat
Mangaluru: In back-to-back press releases issued on July 29 and July 30 by Advocate Manjunath N, Sujatha Bhat has expressed her gratitude to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) for its dedicated efforts in the ongoing exhumation process related to the Dharmasthala case.
According to the first press statement issued on July 29, Sujatha Bhat thanked the SIT for its meticulous work during the exhumation at Site No. 1, which was carried out earlier that day. The statement mentions that a total of 14 sites were identified on July 28, and the operation at Site No. 1 marked the first official step in the process. It also noted that although the exhumation did not yield any positive results, Sujatha Bhat remains undeterred. She conveyed her full confidence in the SIT, appreciating the seriousness with which the investigation is being conducted, particularly the involvement of senior officials including the Assistant Commissioner.
The statement further mentioned that earthwork had reportedly taken place at Site No. 1 around five years ago.
In the second press release issued on July 30, Sujatha Bhat’s legal counsel shared further insights reportedly based on information from reliable sources. According to this information, the complainant-witness had provided specific details about the number of bodies believed to be buried at each of the marked sites. The data shared through the press note are as follows:
Site No. 1: 2 bodies
Site No. 2: 2 bodies
Site No. 3: 2 bodies
Sites No. 4 and 5: 6 bodies
Sites No. 6, 7, and 8: 8 bodies
Site No. 9: 6 to 7 bodies
Site No. 10: 3 bodies
Site No. 11: 9 bodies
Site No. 12: 4 to 5 bodies
Site No. 13: The highest number among the currently marked sites
The press note also claimed that a separate site, not among the 13 marked locations, is said to contain an even higher number of bodies as per the complainant-witness. This site is reportedly located further away and is expected to be taken up after the current round of exhumations concludes.
Sujatha Bhat reiterated through the press statement that for her, this process is not just a legal investigation but a personal and emotional journey in search of truth and closure, not only for her daughter but also for many other missing individuals. She was quoted in the release saying, “I will watch out for each and every exhumation. My heart aches for answers, and I have full faith that the SIT’s painstaking work will unearth the truth, no matter how long it takes or how deep they must dig.”
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On Ambedkar's Mahaparinirvan Din, thousands gather at Chaityabhoomi; Guv, CM hail social icon
Mumbai (PTI): Thousands of followers of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar converged at his memorial in Mumbai's Dadar area on Saturday to pay tributes to the social reformer on his death anniversary, observed as 'Mahaparinirvan Din'.
Maharashtra Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray were among those who paid tributes to Ambedkar at 'Chaityabhoomi' in Shivaji Park.
The Governor said Ambedkar gave the country a Constitution which ensured equal rights to all people.
Speaking at a tribute event organised at 'Chaityabhoomi' on the occasion of the 69th Mahaparinirvan Din of Dr Ambedkar, Devvrat said great personalities strengthen movements of social justice and live forever through their thoughts and work.
"Despite adversities, Babasaheb believed education to be the most powerful weapon to change the future of a family, society and a country. The Constitution united people from different communities and ensured equal rights to all," he said.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Ambedkar laid the foundation for the nation's progress and due to his far-sighted vision, India has emerged as the world's fourth largest economy and is poised to reach the third rank soon.
Fadnavis underlined Ambedkar's role in India's energy security, stating that the adoption of a national power grid concept enabled the country's path toward energy self-reliance.
"The Constitution ensured a strong democratic base and safeguarded the rights of common citizens," he said, adding the state government is committed to completing developmental works at the 'Chaityabhoomi' memorial.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said Ambedkar's struggle was for establishing equality, liberty, justice and fraternity.
"The guiding principle of "Educate, Organise and Agitate" continues to inspire social transformation," he said.
The Governor, Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, along with several ministers, MPs, MLAs and dignitaries, paid floral tributes at the memorial. Dignitaries also visited a photo exhibition organised by the BMC.
A helicopter showered flower petals over 'Chaityabhoomi' and copies of the Constitution were presented to the attendees.
Every year, thousands of people from across the state converge at 'Chaityabhoomi' on December 6. Ambedkar died on this day in 1956.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has set up temporary sheds, mobile toilets, drinking water and medical stalls at the Shivaji Park, in view of the huge rush of Ambedkar's followers.
In a post on X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recalled Ambedkar’s ‘visionary’ leadership.
“Remembering Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar on Mahaparinirvan Diwas. His visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to justice, equality and constitutionalism continue to guide our national journey. He inspired generations to uphold human dignity and strengthen democratic values.
“May his ideals keep lighting our path as we work towards building a Viksit Bharat,” Modi said in his message.
