Bengaluru: An all-women delegation of writers, filmmakers, activists, and scholars met Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday, presenting a set of demands concerning the alleged mass murders in Dharmasthala, which are being investigated by the Special Investigation Team (SIT).

The delegation emphasised the need to protect the SIT’s independence in probing the case. They also demanded a re-investigation of past deaths of witnesses, particularly high-profile cases such as Soujanya, Padmalatha, and Yamuna/Narayana, where perpetrators were identified and investigated, but the cases were eventually closed.

Key demands of the delegation

The group outlined several other demands, including:

  • Strict action against negligent officials responsible for lapses in investigation.
  • Establishment of an independent support group to ensure gender justice and accountability.
  • Protection for complainants and witnesses from intimidation or harm.
  • Strict measures against individuals obstructing ongoing investigations.
  • Long-term measures to expedite the implementation of the Ugrappa Committee report and follow-through on the Verma Committee recommendations.
  • Enforcement of robust security measures to ensure women’s safety.
  • Formation of internal committees in religious institutions across all faiths to prevent abuse.
  • Implementation of healthy sex education programmes.

Background of the Dharmasthala case

The Karnataka government had constituted the SIT in July, headed by Director General of Police Pronab Mohanty, after a witness alleged that between 1995 and 2014, he was forced to bury multiple bodies of young women—including minors—who appeared to have been sexually assaulted and murdered. These incidents reportedly occurred in Dharmasthala, a popular pilgrimage town on the banks of the Nethravathi River in Dakshina Kannada.

The SIT later arrested the witness on charges of perjury. Investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the alleged crimes and ensure justice for the victims.

Government response

While the delegation highlighted their concerns and proposed measures to strengthen accountability and women’s safety, officials have indicated that they will consider the recommendations as part of the ongoing investigation. The meeting underlines the heightened public scrutiny over the Dharmasthala case and the demand for transparency and independent inquiry.