Lawyer urges government to set up SIT helpline for Dharmasthala complaint victims
Mangaluru: Advocate Manjunath N, representing Sujatha Bhat in the Dharmasthala missing persons case, has urged the government to immediately establish a public helpline for victims and their families to file complaints directly with the Special Investigation Team (SIT).
In a late-night press statement on Monday, the lawyer emphasised the need for an accessible communication channel in light of the SIT’s ongoing probe into the alleged mass burial incident in Dharmasthala. He noted that while several families have attempted to approach local police stations with their complaints, they have reportedly faced significant difficulties and hesitation in doing so.
Manjunath stated that many relatives of victims have contacted him personally, expressing their fear and the challenges they encounter when trying to file official complaints.
He further urged the government to take steps to publicise the SIT helpline widely so that people can come forward without fear or procedural hurdles. According to him, since the scope of the SIT investigation is wide, an easy and transparent method for the public to submit information is crucial.
Additionally, Manjunath requested the government to grant the SIT office an official status equivalent to that of a police station. This, he said, would help prevent the accused from exploiting legal loopholes to obtain court-issued restraining orders, a practice reportedly occurring in cases where the SIT does not hold formal police station powers.
The SIT is currently handling both the mass burial investigation and the disappearance case of Ananya Bhat, a first-year MBBS student who went missing during a 2003–2004 visit to the Dharmasthala temple. Her mother, Sujatha Bhat, is the primary complainant in the case.
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Punishment for those disrupting assembly proceedings, warns Speaker UT Khader
Belagavi: Speaker U.T. Khader on Friday warned that members who disrupt Assembly proceedings by talking in their seats during debates will be made to sit in the House for an entire day as a disciplinary measure.
The warning came after the Question Hour, when Deputy Leader of the Opposition Arvind Bellad was permitted to initiate a discussion on the development of North Karnataka.
At this point, expelled BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal objected, stating that he had been seeking a debate for the past three days but had not been given an opportunity.
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Responding to the objection, Speaker Khader said Bellad had already been granted permission and assured Yatnal that he would be allowed to speak at the next opportunity. He noted that even as a serious discussion was underway, several MLAs were speaking among themselves with their microphones on, disrupting the proceedings.
Expressing displeasure over the conduct of members, Khader likened the situation to football, where players receive red, yellow, or white cards for violations. Similarly, he said, the Assembly issues warning cards to members who disturb the House. If they fail to correct themselves despite repeated warnings, they would be required to remain seated in the Assembly hall for a full day as punishment, he stated.
