Dharmasthala Mass Murder: Police Gather Evidence with Whistleblower’s Help

Dharmasthala: In a shocking turn of events, the Special Investigation Team (SIT), accompanied by a whistleblower, visited multiple sites in and around Dharmasthala where he claimed to have buried the bodies of several hundred women. The operation was conducted under heavy security near the Nethravathi Snanghatta area, where police marked the suspected burial spots for further investigation.

The whistleblower, who arrived at the site around 11:30 a m with his legal counsel, was earlier questioned by SIT officer Jithrendra Kumar Yadav at the SIT office in Belthangadi. Following the preliminary inquiry, the team, comprising personnel from the police, forensic department, revenue, forest, and land records departments, was dispatched to the locations he identified.

Authorities confirmed that a spot mahazar (site inspection and documentation) will be conducted at all the identified locations.

The investigation stems from a stunning revelation made by the whistleblower on July 3. He alleged that during his time as a sanitation worker at the Dharmasthala temple, he was coerced into burying the bodies of women who had suffered severe sexual abuse. He even handed over what he claimed to be skeletal remains of one victim to the police.

Currently, the SIT faces a major challenge, identifying the remains, if discovered, as there are no specific missing persons complaints corresponding to most of the alleged victims. So far, the only formal complaint received is from Sujatha Bhatt, the mother of Ananya Bhatt, who is believed to be among the victims.

Sources say the case could potentially implicate one of Karnataka’s most powerful families, known for their close ties to both the BJP and Congress. Given the political sensitivity, investigators are concerned about the high risk of interference and attempts to sabotage the inquiry.

The SIT is expected to expand the investigation in the coming days, including calls for testimonies in similar cases.