We Need To Know The Truth: Ramya On Dharmasthala Mass Burial Case

Kannada actress and Congress leader Ramya aka Divya Spandana has expressed shock over the reports of the mass burial in Dharmasthala and hopes that there will be a "fair investigation".

Ramya Demands Fair Investigation

In a post on X, Ramya said, "I'm quite shocked to hear about these incidents of mass burial and women missing at Dharmasthala. It's a place of worship and highly revered by the people of Karnataka. I hope there will be a fair investigation. We need to know the truth."

Ex-Sanitation Worker's Startling Claims

Ramya's remarks come after a former sanitation worker made startling claims on mass burial in one of the most visited temple cities in Dakshina Kannada. He has said that he was forced to burn over 100 murder victims, many of them women and minors-between 1998 and 2014.

The whistleblower, employed by the Dharmasthala temple administration, stated that victims were sexually assaulted, strangled, and in some cases, burned with acid. He recently appeared before a Mangaluru court under tight security, submitting a sworn statement and photographic evidence of skeletal remains.

According to his testimony, bodies were buried near the Netravathi River or disposed of using diesel and chemicals. One particularly harrowing claim involves the rape and murder of a schoolgirl in 2010, allegedly buried near a petrol station.

The revelations have triggered public outrage, with demands for a Supreme Court- or High Court-monitored Special Investigation Team (SIT). Activists and legal experts argue that the current probe-led by a local sub-inspector-lacks the necessary authority and transparency.

There are growing calls for forensic exhumations, immediate arrests, and a video-recorded investigation, making this one of Karnataka's most alarming criminal cases in recent years.

Soujanya Case

The allegations have reignited memories of the 2012 Soujanya rape-murder case, which also saw accusations of a cover-up. Notably, actors Duniya Vijay and Harshika Poonacha had previously spoken out in support of justice for Soujanya.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated on July 18 that the government would consider an SIT probe if the police report recommended it.

"This person has been absconding for 10 years. He has now given a statement under the Criminal Procedure Code Section 164. He says he buried bodies and is ready to show the locations. Let us see what the police say," Siddaramaiah said.