Mangaluru: The Dakshina Kannada district police on Wednesday clarified that they have not been able to trace the complainant-witness in the alleged Dharmasthala village burial case, despite the individual earlier seeking witness protection and expressing a willingness to reveal critical information.
Superintendent of Police Dr Arun K stated that while an application for identity protection was being considered, the witness’s lawyer had already released substantial information to the media, compromising the confidentiality needed for protection under Rule 7 of the witness protection framework.
Police say no direct contact has been established with the witness so far—only email communication with the advocate. The lawyer maintains that the public disclosures were made with the complainant’s consent, but these statements have undermined attempts to maintain anonymity.
The SP clarified that protection can only be extended if the witness voluntarily cooperates and reveals their location. As of July 10, the police had communicated this to the advocate, but no further updates have been received.
Meanwhile, the Deputy SP has filed a report stating that without contact, the police cannot provide security or verify the witness’s claims. If the witness remains unavailable during future stages, it could stall the investigation, the report adds.
Additionally, the police dismissed rumours of any body exhumation being scheduled on Wednesday.