A major investigation is currently taking place in Dharmasthala, Karnataka, after shocking claims surfaced about secret burials of women and girls who were allegedly assaulted. This case, known as the Dharmasthala Files, has caught public attention and raised serious questions about justice, power, and the truth.
In this article, we will explain what the case is about, how the Karnataka government has responded, and what to expect from the Special Investigation Team (SIT).
Table of Contents
🕯️ The Start of the Dharmasthala Files Case
A former sanitation worker, who worked at the Dharmasthala Temple from 1995 to 2014, has alleged that he was forced to bury bodies secretly. He claimed that many of these were women and girls who were victims of rape and strangulation. These shocking statements were made official when he lodged a complaint at the Belthangady Court in early July 2025.
The whistleblower has even handed over human remains, including a skull, to the authorities as evidence. He mentioned that these burials took place along the Nethravathi River banks and that he was threatened with death if he ever spoke out.
🏛️ Government Orders SIT Investigation
After public outrage and pressure from women’s rights groups, the Karnataka Government quickly announced a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into the allegations. Senior IPS Officer Pronab Mohanty has been appointed to lead the SIT, with DIG M N Anucheth overseeing the investigation process. The SIT has been given full authority to examine every aspect of this case.
🔎 What Is the SIT Doing Now?
The SIT has started its work from its office in Mangaluru, and its first task was to record the whistleblower’s detailed statement. He was questioned for over five hours with his legal team present. All proceedings are being documented through video recordings to maintain transparency.
SIT officers have also visited the alleged burial sites, the Dharmasthala police station, and have collected land and death records from local authorities. Their goal is to verify if these burials match with any missing persons cases reported during that period.
❓ Key Points the SIT Will Investigate
- Are the whistleblower’s claims true?
The SIT will cross-check skeletal remains and burial sites with official missing persons records. - Were local authorities involved in a cover-up?
The investigation will also look at whether anyone in power tried to hide these crimes. - Are there more witnesses?
The SIT is appealing to the public for information and will ensure protection for those who come forward. - Why wasn’t this reported earlier?
There are questions about why no official complaint was filed before 2025 and whether victims’ families were silenced. - Will exhumations be carried out?
If necessary, the SIT may seek court approval to dig up suspected burial sites for forensic evidence.
READ ALSO : Who’s Blocking Justice in the Sowjanya Case? Politics, Power or Procedure?
📰 Media Gag Order and Legal Challenges
Recently, a Bengaluru civil court passed an order to block over 8,800 links online, including videos, articles, and posts about the case. This move, requested by Harshendra Kumar D, a member of the Dharmasthala administration, has been criticized by media freedom groups.
A petition to lift the gag order was rejected by the Supreme Court, which directed petitioners to approach the Karnataka High Court instead.
🗣️ Public Response and Government’s Stand
The Karnataka government has promised that there will be a fair and impartial investigation. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has assured that no one will be shielded, no matter how powerful they are.
Activists are pushing for a dedicated helpline for witnesses and are demanding that the SIT office in Mangaluru be treated as an official police station to ensure proper documentation.
🚨 Why Is This Case Important?
- It brings attention to serious allegations of sexual violence and abuse of power.
- It raises questions about institutional accountability.
- It emphasizes the importance of protecting whistleblowers and ensuring that justice is served.
- The case has also sparked debates about freedom of the press due to the media gag order.
READ ALSO : Sowjanya Case 2025: A Decade-Old Crime That Karnataka Still Remembers
🗓️ What’s Next in the Investigation?
- More witnesses may be called for questioning.
- The SIT might request permission for site exhumations.
- A thorough review of local police records and land documents will continue.
- Once evidence is collected, legal proceedings will follow if criminal charges are confirmed.
