The Karnataka government has initiated a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the allegations surrounding burials in Dharmasthala. Dakshina Kannada SP Dr. Arun K confirmed the upcoming transfer of the case to the SIT. The order, issued on July 19, designates DGP Pranab Mohanty of the Internal Security Department as the head of the SIT. The team will also include IPS officers M. N. Anuchet, Soumya Latha, and Jitendra Kumar Dayama.
Under Secretary S. Ambika from the Home Department announced the government’s decision to form the SIT for a detailed investigation into case number 39/2025 (under section 211 (A), BNS) registered at the Dharmasthala police station.
A letter from the Karnataka State Women’s Commission, dated July 14, mentioned a person who testified in court about burying numerous bodies in the Dharmasthala area. The Commission is taking seriously the claims made by a medical student’s family and reports regarding the discovery of human skulls in the area.
The individual’s statements implicated serious crimes such as murder, rape, the disappearance of women and female students, and unnatural deaths. In response, the Commission recommended the formation of an SIT to conduct a fair and extensive investigation led by senior officials.
The government has concluded that an SIT is necessary to thoroughly investigate the matters raised by the Women’s Commission and the case at the Dharmasthala police station. Furthermore, related criminal cases, whether registered or expected to be registered in other police stations throughout the state, will also be transferred to the SIT.
The SIT will leverage the resources of the Dakshina Kannada District Police Office and provide the DG and IGP with real-time updates on the investigation’s status. Upon completion, the team will submit a comprehensive report to the government through the DG and IGP.