Activist Calls for Probe into Dharmasthala Hostel Deaths
Demand for SIT inquiry over four suspicious deaths.
Social Activist Mahesh Shetty Thimarody filed a formal complaint with the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in Belthangady, Karnataka, demanding a thorough investigation into four unexplained deaths that occurred in hostels in Dharmasthala village between 2006 and 2010. The complaint, lodged at the SIT office, alleges significant irregularities in how the cases were handled by local authorities, raising concerns about potential cover-ups and failure to adhere to legal protocols.
According to Thimarody, the deaths, reported at Gayatri, Sharavati, and Vaishali hostels, were inadequately investigated. He claims the deceased were labeled as "unknown persons" and their bodies were buried by the local Gram Panchayat without conducting post-mortems or registering First Information Reports (FIRs).
Instead, only Unnatural Death Reports (UDRs) were filed, which Thimarody argues deviates from standard procedures for unnatural or suspicious deaths. His complaint, backed by documents obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act, urges the SIT to register FIRs and launch a comprehensive inquiry into each case.
The activist’s allegations point to systemic lapses in the initial handling of the incidents, prompting calls for scrutiny of past records and witness testimonies. The SIT is currently reviewing the complaint, and police sources indicate that, if substantiated, FIRs may be filed, and earlier investigations could be re-examined.
This development has sparked public interest in Dharmasthala, a prominent religious and cultural hub, as questions linger about the circumstances surrounding these unresolved deaths.
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