The Karnataka government has appointed 20 officers to aid the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe chilling allegations of mass burials, sexual assaults, and missing women in Dharmasthala, Dakshina Kannada, spanning two decades.

Formed on July 19, 2025, and led by Director General of Police (Internal Security) Pranav Mohanty, the SIT is bolstered by Additional Commissioner M.N. Anucheth, DCP Soumya Latha, and SP Jitendra Kumar Dayama, with a robust support team including SP C.A. Simon, two Deputy Superintendents, five police inspectors, seven sub-inspectors, one assistant sub-inspector, and four head constables, as per an order issued by DGP M.A. Saleem on July 22.

The investigation, sparked by a former civic worker’s explosive claim of burying hundreds of girls and young women’s bodies, has ignited public outrage and demands for justice. The SIT, operating from the Dakshina Kannada district police office, is tasked with unraveling the truth behind these grave allegations, including cases of alleged murders and rapes.

With pressure mounting from activists and the Karnataka State Commission for Women, the team is set to commence its probe, aiming to deliver a comprehensive report to the government. This high-stakes investigation promises to uncover the dark secrets haunting the temple town.

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