Advocates seek High Court’s intervention in Dharmasthala mass burials case
Raise concerns over investigation integrity
Bengaluru: A group of practicing advocates from Bengaluru have submitted a publi interest petition to the Registrar General of the Karnataka High Court, urging immediate judicial oversight into the investigation of case registered at the Dharmasthala Police Station. The case pertains to explosive allegations of mass sexual assaults, murders, and secret burials spanning nearly two decades in and around Dharmasthala, Dakshina Kannada district.
According to the petition, advocates Shreeram T. Nayak, Ganesh Prasad B.S., Ganesh V., and Ponnanna K.A. contend that the current investigation is neither free nor fair and appears to be compromised due to the involvement of influential individuals. The complaint, originally filed on July 3, 2025, alleges that hundreds of vulnerable individuals, including minor girls, women, and beggars, were subjected to sexual violence, torture, and murder between 1995 and 2014, with the remains either buried or burned.
The complainant, reportedly coerced into aiding the alleged crimes under duress from powerful figures in Dharmasthala, is said to have provided skeletal remains and photographs from one of the burial sites as evidence. Despite these startling claims and the subsequent registration of an FIR under Section 211(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the advocates point out that there has been little to no progress in the form of arrests or forensic examination, even 17 days after the FIR was filed.
The petition warns that the delay in action could result in the destruction of critical evidence, as the accused, though unnamed, are believed to wield considerable influence across political and societal domains in Karnataka. The lawyers also express concern that statements by prominent BJP leaders, including MLC C.T. Ravi and MLA Arvind Bellad, have dismissed the case as a smear campaign against Dharmasthala, further deepening fears of a compromised probe.
Adding to the controversy, the petition cites a meeting between a well-known Dharmasthala figure and Karnataka’s Home Minister G. Parameshwara shortly after the FIR. Although the Home Minister later stated that the meeting was regarding a medical college, the petitioners highlight that his portfolio does not cover education, but home affairs, including oversight of police operations.
“The release of the complainant’s confidential statement further calls into question the integrity of the investigation and the seriousness with which witness protection measures are being implemented,” the petition notes, referencing the Witness Protection Scheme of 2018.
The advocates conclude their petition by urging the Karnataka High Court to intervene and oversee the investigation to ensure justice for the alleged victims and prevent further tampering or suppression of evidence. They argue that only court-monitored investigation can preserve the sanctity of justice in a case of such grave magnitude and widespread societal implications.
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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.
