Bengaluru: In a grave representation submitted to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, a group of senior advocates and a social activist have demanded the immediate constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the alleged mass murder, mass rape, and mass burial in Dharmasthala. They have urged that the SIT be monitored by a sitting or retired judge of the Supreme Court or High Court of Karnataka, and be assisted by an ADGP-level police officer.
The petitioners—Dr. C.S. Dwarakanath (former chairman, Karnataka State Commission for Backward Classes), advocates Sr. Umapathi S., Sudha Katwa, and social activist T. Narasimha Murthy—raised serious concerns over what they termed a “factual matrix” emerging from media and public domain over the past week. They cited the eyewitness confession made before a magistrate, which had led to the registration of a First Information Report (FIR).
The group highlighted that despite the seriousness of the allegations, the case is currently being probed only by a local Sub-Inspector under the supervision of a Deputy Superintendent of Police, with no visible progress under the BNSS (Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita).
The representation includes a series of urgent demands:
- SIT Constitution under judicial oversight and senior police leadership
- Comprehensive forensic support, including DNA testing, digital forensics, and FSL coordination
- Video recording of the investigation to ensure transparency
- Thorough crime scene analysis to gather all physical and trace evidence
- Immediate arrest and custodial interrogation of all accused, regardless of political or social influence
The signatories have alleged that the bodies are yet to be exhumed despite being reported, and cautioned that these crimes may involve highly influential and politically powerful figures. They have warned that delay or inaction could severely undermine public confidence in the law.
“We urge the Chief Minister to take immediate and firm action in the larger interest of society and ensure justice is delivered,” the memorandum states.
The state government has yet to respond officially to the petition.
