Another complainant emerges in Dharmasthala Mass Murder

Mangaluru (Karnataka): The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged mass burials in Dharmasthala has entered a crucial phase with fresh testimony, mounting public pressure, and accusations of coercion by an SIT officer.

On Saturday, a second complainant, identified as Jayanth T, appeared before the SIT in Belthangady and submitted a formal complaint. He claimed to have first-hand knowledge of multiple unlawful burials that occurred in Dharmasthala and stated that he had personally witnessed some of these burials at different locations over the years.

Speaking to the media after meeting investigators, Jayanth recounted witnessing the secret burial of a young girl nearly 15 years ago, allegedly carried out without police intervention, legal procedures, or a post-mortem examination. “The body was buried in secrecy. I saw it with my own eyes,” he said.

Jayanth admitted that fear of repercussions had kept him silent all these years. However, the formation of the SIT and increased public scrutiny gave him the courage to speak out. He also linked the issue to a personal tragedy, his niece Padmalatha went missing, and hinted that more people may soon step forward. “Five to six people are prepared to come forward. This is just the beginning,” he said, adding that he would return on Monday with a more detailed complaint. The SIT advised him to wait due to a government holiday.

This new development comes as the SIT continues excavation work at various sites near the Netravathi riverbank. These searches were launched following a sensational anonymous complaint that triggered the probe. Earlier excavations yielded partial skeletal fragments at one site, though several other locations have not produced conclusive evidence so far.

The SIT was constituted by the Karnataka government to investigate serious allegations of mass murder, rape, and secret burials in Dharmasthala, reportedly spanning the last two decades.

The initial complaint came from an anonymous sanitation worker who claimed he was employed in Dharmasthala between 1995 and 2014. He alleged he was coerced into burying multiple bodies, some of which showed signs of sexual assault,and stated that women and minors were among the victims. His testimony has already been recorded before a magistrate.

However, the investigation has now been clouded by a serious allegation of misconduct within the SIT itself.

Advocate Ananya Gowda has accused sub-inspector Manjunath Gowda of coercing her client, the original sanitation worker complainant, into retracting his statement. In an email to the SIT, she claimed the officer threatened jail time and forced the complainant to disown his statement on camera. She demanded the immediate removal of the officer to ensure a fair and unbiased investigation. The SIT has not yet responded to the allegation.

With more testimonies expected and mounting scrutiny on the investigative process, the Dharmasthala mass burial case appears poised to intensify in the coming days.