SIT Officer Faces Allegations in Mass Burial Probe
The Dharmasthala mass burial case has taken a new twist as a senior officer of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been accused of coercion. According to a formal complaint, the officer allegedly threatened and pressured the complainant to withdraw his earlier statement.
The allegation has been raised by Advocate Ananya Gowda, who represents the original complainant in the ongoing high-profile investigation. The accused officer, identified as Manjunath Gowda, is part of the SIT assigned to probe the disturbing mass burial case that has already attracted significant public and media attention across Karnataka.
Incident Allegedly Recorded at SIT Office
According to the advocate’s letter addressed to SIT higher officials, the alleged incident occurred on the night of August 1 at the SIT office in Belthangady, located in Mangaluru district. Advocate Gowda claimed that the SIT officer recorded the complainant’s statement using his mobile phone, without any official documentation.
The complaint further alleges that the officer tried to manipulate the situation by stating the complainant’s “willingness” to withdraw the original FIR registered at the Dharmasthala Police Station. However, the advocate clarified that the complainant did not make any such statement voluntarily.
SIT Denies Allegation, Promises Fair Inquiry
In response to the serious accusation, a senior SIT officer, speaking to the media on condition of anonymity, dismissed the allegations as “baseless.”
“Nothing like this has happened. These are nothing but baseless allegations. However, we will look into it,” the officer Said.
The SIT has not yet confirmed whether any formal internal inquiry has been initiated against Manjunath Gowda. However, given the seriousness of the claims and the sensitive nature of the ongoing case, calls for transparency and action are gaining traction in legal and human rights circles.
Advocate Seeks Officer’s Removal from Investigation
Multiple sources report that Advocate Ananya Gowda has also sought the immediate removal of Manjunath Gowda from the SIT team to ensure an impartial and intimidation-free investigation process.
The advocate’s complaint emphasizes that the alleged misconduct compromises the integrity of the investigation and causes undue mental stress to the complainant.
Activists have echoed similar concerns, urging the Karnataka government to ensure that law enforcement actions in sensitive cases remain free from coercion or political interference.
Ongoing Developments in the Dharmasthala Case
The Dharmasthala mass burial case itself remains one of the most controversial incidents in recent times, involving disturbing allegations related to unlawful disposal of human remains. Public outrage has led to calls for accountability, transparency, and swift justice.
With the latest turn of events involving alleged intimidation tactics, the spotlight is now not only on the case details but also on the conduct of the investigation team.
A clear and neutral inquiry is now expected to address both the primary case and this fresh allegation of police misconduct.