New Witnesses Add Twist to Dharmasthala Mass Burials Case
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged Dharmasthala mass burials has received fresh leads. Two new informants have stepped forward, claiming they witnessed a body being buried at a new location. Their statements have added urgency to an already sensitive investigation.
According to police, the SIT immediately acted on the information and intensified search operations. On Saturday, officers dug a 20-by-20-foot trench to a depth of 10 feet near Bahubali Hills. The excavation, however, did not yield human remains.
A separate search conducted about 15 feet from a previously marked site, referred to as Point 16, also revealed no evidence. Despite the setbacks, the SIT remains focused, noting that skeletal remains had been discovered earlier at Points 6 and 10. Operations at Point 13 were paused due to technical issues.
So far, 16 locations have been excavated as part of the investigation into claims of mass graves involving alleged murder and sexual assault victims.
Political Reactions Amplify Public Debate
The developments in Dharmasthala have sparked strong political and social reactions. BJP MLA SR Vishwanath, speaking in Gauribidanur, called the latest claims “disappointing” and accused certain groups of running a malicious campaign against the revered site.
“Dharmasthala is sacred. False propaganda is being spread about the holy shrine,” Vishwanath said. He announced a “Dharmasthala Chalo” rally on August 16, involving over 200 cars bearing saffron flags. The rally will start from Yelahanka, visit the shrine, and return the same day. Similar campaigns are planned in other parts of Karnataka.
Leaders Demand Action Against Anonymous Informant
The anonymous individual who initially claimed to have buried victims is also facing sharp criticism. Vishwanath stated that if the informant indeed participated in burying victims of rape and murder, “he should be punished before anyone else.”
Former Karnataka deputy chief minister KS Eshwarappa echoed the sentiment, demanding the arrest of the anonymous source. Speaking in Shivamogga, he alleged that the claims were a deliberate attempt to insult the Hindu community and damage Dharmasthala’s reputation.
“One man cannot bury hundreds of bodies across 13 sites without help,” Eshwarappa said. “The state must investigate which anti-national or anti-religious groups are behind this.” He stressed that the informant has failed to produce proof of burial sites despite repeated claims.
Sacred Site Under Scrutiny
Dharmasthala, known for its Lord Manjunathaswamy Temple, is one of Karnataka’s most visited and respected religious destinations. The allegations have caused emotional distress among devotees and sparked widespread debates on social media.
The SIT’s challenge is balancing public sentiment with a thorough investigation. Authorities have confirmed that legal provisions are in place to question and, if necessary, arrest individuals linked to the matter.
Ongoing Investigation and Next Steps
Despite the lack of physical evidence in recent digs, the SIT insists the search is far from over. Officers plan to follow all credible leads, cross-check witness testimonies, and deploy forensic teams to any potential sites.
Community leaders have urged patience, cautioning against jumping to conclusions without verified evidence. Meanwhile, police continue to appeal to the public for information that could help locate any additional sites.
The coming weeks are expected to bring further developments as both political campaigns and investigative efforts unfold side by side.