Mangaluru: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged mass burial case in Dharmasthala has invoked additional charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including perjury and forgery, after examining a skull submitted to the Belthangady court by the complainant witness.
Perjury charges linked to skull
According to a senior officer, the charges were specifically related to the skull, which investigators believe was presented to strengthen the whistleblower’s narrative. “The charges of perjury were included with respect to the skull produced before the court. Some sections under BNS, including forgery, were also added in support of perjury. We are acting on the directions of the court,” the officer said.
The SIT emphasised that its focus remains on authenticating the evidence while examining whether there was any deliberate attempt to mislead the investigation.
Ongoing investigation and earlier actions
The Dharmasthala Police had originally registered a case under Section 211(a) of BNS on 4 July based on the complaint filed by the witness, who alleged multiple secret burials at different locations. The Karnataka government subsequently formed an SIT on 19 July to conduct an independent and thorough probe.
Since then, the SIT has searched nearly 17 locations, conducting exhumations and collecting soil samples for forensic analysis in the presence of Puttur Assistant Commissioner Stella Varghese and Scene of Crime Officers (SoCO).
Witness protection and arrest
Despite being granted protection under the Witness Protection Scheme, 2018, the complainant witness was arrested by the SIT last week after being accused of fabricating evidence. He was produced before the JMFC Belthangady court and remanded to 12 days in SIT custody.
Investigators later searched the activist’s residence where the complainant had been staying and recovered personal belongings along with electronic devices believed to contain case-related data.
Recording of fresh statements
In a related development, the SIT recorded the statement of Sujatha Bhat, mother of Ananya Bhat, who allegedly went missing from Dharmasthala in 2003. The statement is expected to assist investigators in cross-verifying claims linked to the case and determining whether there is any connection to the recovered human remains.
SIT calls for restraint
Police officials have urged the public to refrain from drawing premature conclusions regarding alleged conspiracies. “Only after the SIT submits its final report or closure report to the court can such claims be assessed. At present, we are focused on the allegation made by the complainant witness,” the officer clarified.
Conclusion
With additional charges of perjury and forgery now forming part of the investigation, the Dharmasthala case continues to unfold under intense legal and forensic scrutiny. The SIT is expected to file a detailed report to the court after completing all evidence verification and witness examinations.