Karnataka Govt Forms SIT Led By DGP Pronab Mohanty To Probe Dharmasthala Mass Burial Horror

In response to harrowing allegations of mass burials and sexual violence in the temple town of Dharmasthala, the Karnataka government has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the case. The SIT will be led by Director General of Police (Internal Security Division and Cyber Command), Pronab Mohanty.

The decision to form the SIT was officially notified by the state government on July 19, following nationwide outrage over the claims made by a whistleblower-a 48-year-old Dalit sanitation worker formerly employed at the Dharmasthala temple. The man alleged that between 1995 and 2014, he was ordered to dispose of multiple bodies, most of them women and children, many of whom allegedly showed signs of sexual assault.

The newly-formed SIT will comprise several senior officials including Deputy Inspector General of Police (Recruitment) MN Anucheth, Deputy Commissioner of Police (City Armed Reserve Headquarters) Soumyalatha, and Superintendent of Police Jitendra Kumar Dayama.

The allegations have triggered a storm across Karnataka, with demands for an impartial and transparent investigation gaining momentum. The state's move to appoint a high-level SIT is seen as a significant step toward uncovering the truth behind what could be one of the most disturbing criminal cases in recent memory.

The SIT has been tasked with investigating the whistleblower's claims, verifying evidence, and identifying potential links to the temple administration. The government has assured full cooperation and has pledged to ensure justice for the victims, if the allegations are proven true.

Further details about the investigation's scope, timeline, and processes are expected to be released by the SIT in the coming days.