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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MI beat PBKS by 6 wickets
Dharamsala (PTI): Already out of play-offs race, Mumbai Indians beat Punjab Kings by six wickets in their IPL match here on Thursday.
Tilak Varma remained not out on 75 off 33 balls as MI chased down the target of 201 with one ball to spare. Will Jacks gave Varma company with 25 not out off 10 balls as MI reached 205 for 4 in 19.5 overs.
For Punjab, Azmatullah Omarzai was the most successful bowler with figures of 2/36.
Earlier, Shardul Thakur returned with excellent figures of 4 for 39 for MI, who are already out of the IPL play-offs race, but Punjab Kings still scored 200 for 8.
Deepak Chahar (2/36), Corbin Bosch (1/42) and Raj Bawa (1/11) were the other MI wicket takers.
Brief Scores:
Punjab Kings: 200 for 8 in 20 overs (Prabhsimran Singh 57; Shardul Thakur 4/39).
Mumbai Indians: 205 for 4 in 19.5 overs (Tilak Varma 75 not out; Azmatullah Omarzai 2/36).
