Sujatha Bhat says no to police summons, alleges officer helped leak witness confession
Writes letter to CJI, CM against investigating officer of Dharmasthala Mass Burial case
Mangaluru: A complaint has been submitted by a senior citizen, Sujatha Bhat, mother of Ananya Bhat, a medical student who went missing over two decades ago, raising allegations of misconduct and breach of confidentiality by the Dharmasthala PSI while investigating the Mass Burial case.
In a formal complaint submitted through her advocate, Sujatha Bhat has raised concerns over what she calls the unlawful disclosure of a confidential witness statement recorded in the Dharmasthala mass burial investigation. The complaint has been addressed to the Chief Justice of India, the Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court, the Director General & Inspector General of Police, the Chief Minister of Karnataka, and the State Home Minister.
The statement points to a serious breach of legal procedure, stating that a confession made before a police officer, involving information about the burial sites of multiple bodies, was made public in violation of confidentiality rules. This, the legal team claims, not only endangers the witness but also casts doubt on the integrity of the investigation.
The press release draws a direct connection between this act and the Dharmasthala mass burial case, in which a former sanitation worker recently appeared before a magistrate, confessed to burying bodies under coercion, and submitted skeletal remains. The case has since triggered fresh forensic investigations and state-wide attention. Sujatha Bhat's daughter Ananya went missing in the same area two decades ago, and the family has long suspected foul play. With the recent revelations, they believe Ananya’s disappearance could be linked to the alleged mass burials.
Sujatha Bhat, who is now a senior citizen with no immediate family support, says the conduct of the officer has left her with no confidence in the fairness of the probe. Her lawyer stated that the officer’s behaviour has been “biased, unprofessional, and unlawful,” and that the trust in the investigation has completely broken down.
In response to a recent notice served to her, Sujatha Bhat has decided not to appear before the officer, citing legitimate concerns regarding the impartiality and lawfulness of the investigation. Her legal team has informed the authorities that she will be filing a detailed complaint justifying her refusal to comply with the officer's summons. In the meantime, her legal counsel has advised the police officer to escalate the matter to his superiors and strictly follow legal procedures moving forward.
The press note further urges the concerned police officer to reflect on his duties as a public servant and ensure that all actions moving forward strictly adhere to the law. It also advises him to immediately bring this issue to the attention of his senior officers, should his role require it.
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Fresh case registered against activist Snehamayi Krishna
Bengaluru PTI): A fresh FIR has been registered against social activist Snehamayi Krishna for making defamatory statements against a woman.
Basaveshwara Nagar Police Station registered a First Information Report against Krishna on Saturday.
According to the FIR, complainant Pavithra B N (37) alleged that a letter dated December 5 was delivered to her residence, in which Snehamayi Krishna made defamatory allegations regarding the death of her husband and against her advocate, Raghu.
The letter also indicated that a complaint had been submitted to the Mahalakshmipuram Police Station seeking reinvestigation into her husband’s death.
The complainant further alleged that a threatening note was enclosed with the letter, pressuring her to withdraw cases filed against a man named Mylaraappa.
She stated that the mobile number of the person exerting pressure was mentioned in the letter.
Pavithra claimed that the alleged actions had caused severe distress to her family, disrupted her children’s education, created unrest at home and deprived them of peace.
She also accused the persons named in the complaint of using abusive language and issuing life threats.
Police initially registered a non-cognisable report.
After Pavithra obtained permission from the 24th ACMM Court to initiate criminal proceedings, an FIR was formally registered against Snehamayi Krishna and Mylaraappa as per the court’s direction.
Krishna has previously been in the news for lodging complaints and making allegations against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, his wife Parvathi B M, and others for obtaining Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) alternative sites (plots) against the rules.
The Lokayukta police which investigated the matter filed a closure report, which the special court of public representatives admitted.
On Thursday, he also levelled accusations against Karnataka Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh along with a Karnataka Administrative Services (KAS) officer D B Natesh, the former MUDA Commissioner.
Shalini Rajneesh's office rejected the charges categorically and termed his accusations "defamatory".
On Saturday he apologised for making allegations against the Chief Secretary.
