Published Jul 26, 2025 | 3:28 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 26, 2025 | 3:28 PM
Ex-worker alleged murders, rapes, and secret burials tied to Dharmasthala Temple administration.
Synopsis: DGP (Internal Security) Pronab Mohanty is heading the SIT, while DIG (Recruitment) MN Anuchath leads the base camp.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) set up by the Karnataka state government to probe the alleged mass burials in Dharmasthala has officially begun its work in the temple town.
The amenities required for the office are being put in place at Belthangady. DGP (Internal Security Division) Pronab Mohanty heads the SIT. DIG (Recruitment) MN Anucheth is leading the team at the base camp.
On 22 July, 20 personnel drawn from various units of the Western range have been posted to assist the SIT. DG-IGP MA Saleem has directed unit officers concerned to relieve these personnel who will report to Mohanty.
The officials are as follows.
1. C.A. Simon – SP, DCRE, Mangaluru
2. Lokesh A.C. – DSP, CEN PS, Udupi
3. Manjunath – DSP, CEN PS, Dakshina Kannada
4. Manjunath – PI, CSP
5. Sampath E.C. – PI, CSP
6. Kusumadhar K. – PI, CSP
7. Manjunath Gowda – PI Sirsi Rural, Uttara Kannada
8. Savithru Tej P.D. – CPI, Byndoor, Udupi
9. Kokila Nayak – PSI, CSP
10. Voilet Femina – PSI, CSP
11. Shiv Shankar – PSI, CSP
12. Raj Kumar Ukkali – PSI Sirsi N.M. PS, Uttara Kannada
13. Suhas R – PSI (investigation), Ankola PS, Uttara Kannada
14. Vinod S. Kallappanavar SI (investigation), Mundgod PS, Uttara Kannada
15. Gunapal J. – PSI, MESCOM, Mangaluru
16. Subhash Kamath – ASI, Udupi Town PS
17. Harish Babu – CHC, Kaup PS, Udupi
18. Prakash – CHC, Malpe Circle office, Udupi
19. Nagaraj – CHC, Kundapura Town PS, Udupi
20. Devaraj – CHC, FMS, Chikkamagaluru
In another development, IPS officer Soumyalatha SK, who was part of the team, stepped down. Speaking to reporters on 24 July, Home Minister Dr. G Parameshwara said, “I have not been officially informed about it. However, unofficially, I have come to know that she has written a letter about stepping down from the team. She has cited personal reasons for stepping away and has unofficially informed about her decision. She will be replaced.”
A former sanitation worker of the Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple in Dakshina Kannada district had alleged that several girls, women, and vagabonds were killed and buried over 20 years. He also stated that he had helped in disposing of bodies.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
