Dharmasthala case: Sujata Bhat’s lawyer urges SIT to use ground penetrating radar to locate remains
Advocate for Sujata Bhat says terrain changes over 11 years may have obscured burial sites
Mangaluru: Advocate Manjunath N., representing Sujata Bhat, the mother of missing medical student Ananya Bhat, has urged the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to deploy advanced Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) technology at sites already identified and excavated by the witness-complainant in the Dharmasthala crime case.
In a press release dated August 3, 2025, he stated: “It is learnt that skeletal remains have been discovered at some of the 10 locations identified by the witness-complainant.”
Citing the witness’s own testimony, he added: “As the witness himself has stated, he left Dharmasthala in 2014. The Dharmasthala region experiences heavy rainfall and there is a high possibility of soil shifting and accumulation from one place to another.”
The advocate further explained the need for advanced forensic assistance: “Since considerable changes have occurred in the forest area over approximately 11 years, there is a high probability that the landmarks the witness had relied on in his memory may have changed or shifted.”
Reiterating a previous petition submitted on July 29, 2025, he formally requested: “We request the deployment of the most advanced Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) available in India to detect skeletal remains at the already excavated locations and in the surrounding areas.”
Describing the practicality of using GPR in the ongoing search, Manjunath N. noted: “We request that GPR units, which are comparable in size to machines used for clearing grass and weeds and which can be deployed with very few persons, be deployed to detect skeletal remains at the already excavated locations and in the surrounding areas.”
Commending the SIT’s efforts thus far, he said: “We once again commend the SIT for conducting the excavation process with the assistance of an excellent team.”
He also expressed confidence in the leadership involved: “Many experts anticipate that the SIT, led by Sri Pronab Mohanty, will implement GPR technology. We have unwavering faith and confidence that the Karnataka Government and the Hon’ble Chief Minister Sri Siddaramaiah will support the SIT in deploying GPRs.”
Finally, he called on the media to play an educational role in the public interest: “We request that the media provide to the public, information about GPRs and also, similarly, appeal to the SIT and the state government to deploy them.”
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Smriti Mandhana named BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year for 2025
New Delhi (PTI): Star batter Smriti Mandhana, who played a pivotal role in India's historic 2025 Women's World Cup triumph, was named the BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year for 2025 at a glittering function here on Monday.
Chess prodigy Divya Deshmukh won the Emerging Player of the Year award, for her historic FIDE Women's World Cup triumph at just 20.
Preethi Pal was named the Para-Sportswoman of the Year, for winning two bronze medals at the 2024 Paris Paralympics in track and field, while Anjali Bhagwat was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising her pioneering career as India's first woman shooter to reach an Olympic final and her trailblazing success on the world stage.
Mandhana, who is currently touring Australia with the Indian team for multi-format bilateral assignments, said in a video message: "Thank you BBC for giving me the awardfor Best Sportswoman of the Year. 2025 was a special year for women's cricket, especiallytowards the end we had a World Cup and I'm happy I could contribute and help India win matches.".
At 29, the left-handed batter is already among the game's greats, with the second-highest number of centuries in women's One Day Internationals and ranking third in total runsscored among current players worldwide.
Hailing from Sangli city in Maharashtra, the affable Mandhana was inspired by her father and brother, both of whom played cricket at the district level.
In September last year, she made a 50-ball hundred against Australia – the fastest 50 over international ton (men and women) by an Indian in the format, breaking Virat Kohli's record.
The award winners were decided by a distinguished grand jury comprising Leander Paes, Deepa Malik, and Anju Bobby George.
Praising the athletes' achievements CEO of BBC News, Jonathan Munro said: "Congratulations to this year's winners who showcase the very best in sporting excellence. The BBC World Service is committed to bringing such stories of human endeavour and outstanding success to audiences across India and around the world.".
Additionally, the ceremony also celebrated a wide spectrum of talent and impact, recognizing star performers and changemakers for redefining the landscape of Indian sport.
BBC Star Performers of the Year 202.
• Indian Women's Cricket Team: for their historic World Cup victory.
• Ekta Bhyan, Deepthi Jeevanji and Preethi Pal: for their trailblazing performances at the World Para Athletics Championship.
• Indian Women's Cricket Team for the Blind: for their inspiring World Cup victory.
• Indian Women's Kabaddi Team: for their smashing victory in World Cup.
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BBC Changemakers of the Year 202.
• Indian Women's Ice Hockey Team: for breaking barriers in a non-traditional sport.
• Rajbir Kaur: Indian field hockey player and former captain of the women’s national team.
• Savita Punia: Indian field hockey player and current member of the national team.
• Paani Devi: recognised for her impactful contribution to grassroots sport.
