Social Activist Files Complaint Over Secret Burial Case Involving Minor Girl In Dharmasthala

A social activist from Ichilampady in Belthangady taluk has lodged a complaint with the Special Investigation Team (SIT) regarding a secret burial case in Dharmasthala. The activist accuses a police officer of illegally burying a minor girl's body in a forest over two decades ago without following legal protocols.

The complaint, filed by Jayant T, states that the incident took place between 2002 and 2003. Local residents reportedly found the body of a girl, estimated to be 13 to 15 years old, near National Highway 37. They informed the police under Belthangady Circle's jurisdiction.

Allegations Against Police

Jayant T alleges that about a week after the discovery, a police officer arrived at the scene in an auto-rickshaw. The officer photographed the body and claimed it belonged to a woman aged 35 to 40 who had died by suicide due to life's disappointments. The body was then buried in a shallow pit.

Despite local residents' alerts soon after finding the body, the officer only visited after a week and buried it at the same location. No criminal case was registered, no inquest or post-mortem was conducted, and the Forest Department wasn't informed, according to Jayant T's complaint.

SIT's Response

The SIT has advised Jayant T to approach the jurisdictional police station for further action. They mentioned that once a formal case is registered, they would proceed based on directions from the Director and Inspector General of Police.

This complaint emerges as the SIT investigates allegations of secret burials involving murder and sexual assault victims in Dharmasthala. The complainant claims he remained silent initially due to fear and trauma but now trusts the SIT enough to come forward.

He also expressed willingness to present other witnesses who can confirm his account if necessary. This development adds another layer to ongoing investigations into alleged secret burials in Dharmasthala.