Form SIT under IPS Pronab Mohanty: Lawyers urge probe in alleged Dharmasthala killings case
Bengaluru: Amid growing outrage over shocking allegations in the Dharmasthala serial killings case, a strong and united call has emerged from civil society and the legal fraternity demanding the immediate formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the leadership of senior IPS officer Pronab Mohanty.
The demand follows a complaint filed recently at the Dharmasthala police station by an individual who alleged the presence of multiple buried bodies in and around the village in Belthangady taluk. The complainant also testified before a local court on July 11, drawing widespread public attention to the case.
Speaking to the media, advocates Ojasvi Gowda and Sachin Deshpande, representing the complainant, urged the Karnataka government to constitute an SIT led by a senior, impartial officer. Citing precedents from the Karnataka High Court, the lawyers emphasised that only a high-level, credible and independent investigation can uncover the full truth behind these alleged serial killings.
They specifically referenced the April 25, 2025 order by the Karnataka High Court in Writ Petition No. 8403 of 2025, in which the court had acknowledged Pranab Mohanty's leadership and directed that an SIT be formed under his supervision in a similar matter. This, they argued, further justifies his appointment in the current case.
The advocates pointed out that the earlier experience with the SIT constituted in the 2012 Sowjanya case had ended in controversy and public disappointment. That failure, they said, underlines the urgent need to ensure the current SIT is effective, transparent and driven by integrity.
In their statement, they noted: “A truly independent and competent SIT is not just desirable, it is absolutely essential to deliver justice to the victims. The disturbing complexity of this case demands a thorough and credible investigation to restore public trust.”
The lawyers added that many in the legal profession, including retired judges, prominent activists, and senior advocates, had come forward in support of the demand for an SIT. They also called for transparency in the appointment of investigating officers (IOs) and supervisory staff, insisting that all members of the SIT be individuals with proven integrity, and that these appointments be made based on recommendations by Mohanty himself.
Further, they emphasised the need for a publicly accessible, documented process that ensures the selection of officers follows strict ethical protocols.
“We have no personal or professional connection with Mr. Pronab Mohanty. Our collective appeal is rooted solely in our responsibility as legal professionals confronting a case of serious public importance. In such testing circumstances, we believe it is our duty to amplify this widespread call for justice,” the advocates stated.
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SC seeks ED's response on journalist's bail plea in money laundering case
New Delhi (PTI): The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to file its response within three days on a bail plea of journalist Mahesh Langa in a money laundering case linked to an alleged financial fraud.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi also asked senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for the jailed journalist, to file rejoinder, if needed, to the ED's response within two days of it being filed.
The top court fixed the case for further hearing on December 15.
During the brief hearing on Monday, Sibal said a journalist has been facing as many as six cases.
"The journalist is accused of extortion," the counsel for the ED said and sought a short adjournment on the ground that Solicitor General Tuhar Mehta was unavailable at the moment.
The top court on September 8 sought responses from the Gujarat government and the ED on Langa's bail plea.
While issuing the notices on Langa's bail plea, the bench asked, "What kind of a journalist is he?"
"With due respect, there are some very genuine journalists. But there are also people who on their scooter say we are 'patrakar' (journalists) and what they actually do everybody knows," the bench told Sibal.
Sibal replied that these are all allegations.
"In one FIR, he gets anticipatory bail, then a second FIR is lodged and again anticipatory bail is granted but now he is booked under a third FIR for income tax evasion. There are other things also against him," Sibal submitted.
He added that there is a background to the case also.
On July 31, the Gujarat High Court rejected Langa's bail plea in the money laundering case on the grounds that if released on bail, prejudice would be caused to the prosecution case.
On February 25, the ED said it arrested Langa in a money laundering investigation linked to an alleged financial fraud.
He was first arrested in October 2024 in a GST fraud case.
The money laundering case against Langa stems from two FIRs filed by Ahmedabad police on charges of fraud, criminal misappropriation, criminal breach of trust, cheating and causing wrongful loss of lakhs of rupees to certain people.
