Karnataka launches SIT probe into Dharmasthala mass graves, sexual assault claims

Following allegations by a former sanitation worker that he was coerced into disposing of bodies—some bearing signs of sexual assault—in Dharmasthala between 1995 and 2014, the Karnataka government has established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to get to the bottom of the matter.

The team, led by DGP (Internal Security) Pronab Mohanty, includes IPS officers M N Anucheth, Soumyalatha, and Jitendra Kumar Dayama. It will investigate all connected criminal cases—from disappearances to unnatural deaths and sexual assault.

Efforts to initiate a full-fledged inquiry gained momentum after the Karnataka State Women’s Commission and legal activists pressed for judge-led oversight.

Evidence such as photos of exhumed skeletal remains and eyewitness testimony from the whistleblower spurred police to file an FIR on July 4 under Section 211(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

The Sri Dharmasthala Temple trust has welcomed the SIT formation, stating: “Truth and belief are the strongest foundation for a society’s ethics and faith… we earnestly demand that the SIT conducts the highest level of investigation."

State Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao emphasised that “no one will be protected” in the investigation.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah—while awaiting the full police report—affirmed that any decision to broaden the probe will adhere strictly to legal procedures.

The whistleblower claims to have buried over 100 bodies—women and minors—possibly involving strangulation, acid attack, and sexual assault.

A missing-person case dating back to 2003—where a student vanished after visiting the temple town—has also been re-examined as part of the inquiry.

Activists and legal professionals have demanded the SIT be overseen by a sitting or retired judge to ensure transparency 
Deshabhimani.

The Karnataka State Women’s Commission filed a formal petition on July 14 seeking judicial oversight of the investigation.