By News Karnataka
Copyright newskarnataka
Mangaluru: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing allegations of illegal human burials in Dharmasthala village has received more than 30 complaints ranging from missing persons to suspicious deaths and unauthorised disposal of bodies. The growing controversy has sent shockwaves across coastal Karnataka, with allegations of a larger conspiracy to malign the sanctity of the revered Dharmasthala temple.
Complaints and conspiracy claims
According to SIT sources, the complaints include cases of unnatural deaths, suspected murders, and illegal disposal of bodies, allegedly involving members of the local panchayat and police force.
Some complainants have also alleged that the controversy is being fuelled by foreign funding with the motive of damaging the temple’s reputation.
SIT review meeting
To assess the situation, SIT chief Pranab Mohanty convened a high-level meeting at the Beltangady office, joined by SPs Jitendra Kumar Dayama, C A Simon, and other senior officers.
“We’ve received over 30 complaints, all of which are under scrutiny. If any are found lacking in substance, they will be closed with due process. However, several cases demand full-scale investigation,” a senior source revealed.
Human remains discovered
In a development that could turn the probe, skeletal remains were discovered in the forests of Banglegudde after key witness Vittal Gowda guided SIT officials to the site. Gowda also released a video on social media that appeared to show partially buried remains. Officials accompanying him reportedly confirmed the discovery, and further excavation and forensic tests are now being planned.
Political reactions and public demand
The probe has drawn political attention, with former CM and MP Basavaraj Bommai alleging political interference in the investigation.
“After the ‘Mask Man’ complaint was proven false, several other serious complaints have emerged. The SIT must uphold accountability and transparency by releasing an interim report,” Bommai said.
With public pressure mounting and more potential evidence surfacing, the SIT faces a critical challenge: to conduct a transparent, impartial, and thorough probe into one of the region’s most sensitive controversies.
