Government transfers Dharmasthala mass burial case to SIT
Karnataka Home Department issues formal order
Mangaluru: The Karnataka government has officially transferred the investigation into the shocking Dharmasthala serial murder allegations to a Special Investigation Team (SIT), following explosive media reports and a formal request from the Karnataka State Women’s Commission.
In a government order dated July 19, 2025, the Home Department announced the formation of the SIT to conduct a comprehensive and impartial probe into the disturbing allegations, including mass graves, sexual violence, and the disappearance of women and students in and around Dharmasthala over the past two decades.
Dakshina Kannada Superintendent of Police Dr. Arun K. confirmed the development in a press statement, saying: "The government has officially handed over case number 39/2025 of Dharmasthala Police Station to the SIT as of July 19. The team will soon assume charge of the investigation."
The probe stems from a chilling statement submitted by a former sanitation worker in court, claiming to have buried hundreds of human bodies in the Dharmasthala region. On July 12, national media outlets, including Times Now, reported the discovery of a human skull and the testimony of a family alleging the disappearance of a female medical student.
The Karnataka State Women’s Commission took serious note of these reports and, in its letter dated July 14 (Ref: 481/2025-26/7817), urged the state government to constitute an SIT. The Commission highlighted patterns of unnatural deaths, rape, disappearances, and brutal violence spanning over two decades, predominantly involving women and girl students.
The SIT will be led by Dr. Pronab Mohanty, IPS, Director General of Police (Internal Security Division), Bangalore, who will act as the Chief of the team. Other members include:
M.N. Anucheth, IPS, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Recruitment), Bangalore
Soumya Latha, IPS, Deputy Commissioner of Police, CAR Headquarters, Bangalore City
Jitendra Kumar Dayama, IPS, Superintendent of Police, Internal Security Division, Bangalore
The SIT has been empowered to investigate not only the registered case (Crime No. 39/2025 under Section 211A of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita) but also any other related criminal cases that may have been registered or could be registered in other police stations across Karnataka.
The team has been instructed to operate out of the Dakshina Kannada district police headquarters and may draw upon available local resources. It is also mandated to submit periodic updates to the Director General and Inspector General of Police, and ultimately, a final investigation report to the state government via the DGP's office.
The order, issued by S Ambika, Under Secretary, Department of Home (Crimes), was circulated to senior officials including the Chief Secretary, Home Minister’s Secretariat, and Principal Secretaries of rlevant departments.
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Delegation led by Abdul Hakkim Azhari meets Malaysian Prime Minister
Mangaluru/Kuala Lumpur: A delegation led by Dr. Muhammed Abdul Hakkim Azhari, Managing Director of Markaz Knowledge City, met Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar bin Ibrahim on Friday.
The meeting was held at the Nasyrul Quran Centre in Putrajaya, near the capital city Kuala Lumpur. During the interaction, the team discussed key issues related to healthcare, education, and current affairs with the Malaysian Prime Minister.
Also present on the occasion were Dr. UT Ifthikar Fareed, Chairman of the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions, along with several other dignitaries.
