Mangaluru: Former Deputy Superintendent of Police Anupama Shenoy has appealed to the government to replace IPS officer Pranab Mohanty as the head of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged mass graves in Dharmasthala. Speaking at a press conference at Patrika Bhavan, Shenoy suggested that capable officers like Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao or Dayanand should lead the sensitive investigation instead.
She referred to Writ Petition No. 8403/2025 currently under review by the Hon’ble High Court, which challenges Mohanty’s previous appointment in a cybercrime-related case. During that time, he had constituted an SIT under the CEN (Cyber, Economic, and Narcotics) wing of CID, led by the ADGP.
Shenoy emphasized that while Mohanty holds multiple degrees—including two B.E. degrees, an M.S. in Computer Science, a PhD, and certification as a Forensic Computer Examiner—his specialization is not in cybercrime, but rather in cases involving sexual assault and homicide.
She also recalled the tragic suicide of DySP M.K. Ganapathy, a Kannadiga officer, who had cited political and departmental pressures before ending his life. His suicide note reportedly named former minister K.J. George, IPS officer A.M. Pusad, and Pranab Mohanty as contributors to his distress.
Shenoy alleged that Mohanty’s current appointment could be politically influenced, potentially linked to George’s interests. She urged the state government to respect public and police sentiment by removing Mohanty from the case and appointing an impartial officer instead.