The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alarming allegations of mass burials in Dharmasthala, Karnataka, expanded its search to a new location in Boliyar on August 8, 2025, based on detailed tips from an anonymous complainant who served as a former sanitation worker.
Accompanied by forensic experts and technical staff under heavy security, the team meticulously examined the site for potential evidence, though no immediate findings were disclosed to maintain investigative integrity. Officials emphasized that all leads are being pursued diligently, with further steps dependent on forensic analysis and legal protocols, amid growing public scrutiny over the case's grave implications.
The probe stems from shocking claims by the anonymous witness, who worked in Dharmasthala from 1995 to 2014 and alleged he was compelled to bury numerous bodies, including those of women and minors showing signs of sexual assault, without proper records or rites. His statement, recorded before a magistrate, has intensified the investigation into possible mass murder, rape, and illegal disposals over two decades in this revered pilgrimage town, known for its ancient Shiva temple that attracts millions annually.
The state government formed the SIT following these revelations, highlighting concerns over historical oversights in a site managed by the influential Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple trust, which also oversees charitable activities in education and healthcare.
Dharmasthala, nestled in Dakshina Kannada district, holds immense cultural significance as a hub of Jain and Hindu traditions, with its unique dispute resolution system drawing devotees from across India. However, the allegations have sparked political debates, with opposition parties demanding transparency and accountability from temple authorities, while the ruling Congress government in Karnataka vows a thorough inquiry to uphold justice.
Similar cases in the state, such as past probes into unmarked graves in coastal regions, underscore vulnerabilities in rural areas where documentation lapses can conceal crimes, prompting calls for stricter oversight of religious institutions.
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Public and media attention has surged, with authorities urging restraint to avoid speculation that could hinder the SIT's work. The team's efforts align with broader reforms in Karnataka's investigative frameworks, including enhanced forensic capabilities post-2023 police modernization drives, aimed at resolving cold cases efficiently.
As the search continues, the case could reveal deeper systemic issues, potentially leading to exhumations and DNA testing to identify victims and bring perpetrators to justice.
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