Mangaluru: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged Dharmasthala mass burial case has now shifted its focus from fieldwork to documenting the inquiry process. A senior officer confirmed that the complainant-witness also appeared before the SIT on Monday to record statements.
Meanwhile, fresh allegations have surfaced from siblings Ganesha and Bharati of Kallagudde Mane, Melanthabettu, Belthangady. They claim their father Narayana and aunt Yamuna were murdered in 2012 as part of a conspiracy to seize their ancestral property. According to them, both victims lived in their Burje ancestral home and had faced repeated threats.
On the night of September 21, 2012, Narayana returned from a Ganesh Chaturthi drama around 10 p.m. The next day, neighbours noticed the house locked until noon and later discovered the duo murdered inside. “We had approached the then SP, but no proper action was taken,” the siblings alleged.
Amid the ongoing investigation, the Mangaluru district unit of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) organized a Sankalpa and Shiva Panchakshari chanting at Kadri Temple on Monday. Addressing the gathering, VHP leader Prof M.B. Puranik said: “We will not tolerate conspiracies or false propaganda against religious centres. We have sought refuge in Lord Shiva, who will dispel all such allegations.”