The Karnataka government has decided to assign the investigation into the Dharmasthala burial allegations to a Special Investigation Team (SIT). Dakshina Kannada SP Dr. Arun K confirmed the transfer of the case to the SIT. The government order, released on July 19, specifies that the SIT will be headed by DGP Pranab Mohanty of the Internal Security Department. The team will comprise IPS officers M. N. Anuchet, Soumya Latha and Jitendra Kumar Dayama.
Home Department Under Secretary S. Ambika announced the government’s decision to form an SIT to conduct a comprehensive investigation of case number 39/2025 (under section 211 (A), BNS) registered at the Dharmasthala police station.
A letter from the chairperson of the Karnataka State Women’s Commission, dated July 14, highlighted a person’s claim in court of burying hundreds of bodies in the Dharmasthala area. The Commission is taking seriously the statements made by the family of a medical student and reports of human skulls being found in the area.
The statements of the person included serious crimes, like murder, rape, disappearances of women and girl students, and unnatural deaths. Considering these claims, the Commission recommended forming an SIT for a fair and exhaustive investigation under the supervision of senior officials.
The government has concluded that it is necessary to form an SIT to investigate the issues raised by the Women’s Commission and the case registered at the Dharmasthala police station. Additionally, any related criminal cases in other police stations within the state will also be transferred to the SIT.
The SIT will utilize the resources available at the Dakshina Kannada District Police Office and will provide real-time updates to the DG and IGP on the investigation. The team will submit a detailed report to the government through the DG and IGP upon completion of the investigation.