Dharmasthala— A former sanitation worker’s startling claim of mass burials and burnings of unidentified bodies in Dharmasthala over nearly two decades has triggered both public shock and government action, with a Special Investigation Team (SIT) now tasked with uncovering the truth.
According to the whistleblower, the activities were allegedly carried out under instructions from influential local figures, raising questions of systemic abuse and a possible cover-up. His revelation, if substantiated, could mark one of the most disturbing chapters in Karnataka’s recent history.
Balancing Justice with Due Process
In today’s age of viral misinformation and sensationalism, experts warn that a scientific, transparent, and process-driven response is critical. A centralised communication channel must be established by the government to counter communal speculation, maintain public trust, and ensure institutional credibility.
The whistleblower, now under state protection, must also undergo a comprehensive forensic psychiatric evaluation — not to question his intent, but to ground the investigation in fact and psychological clarity. His credibility, experts argue, should be weighed with both compassion and scientific scrutiny.
The Forensic Imperative
Should the SIT find sufficient merit in the claims, a forensically sound exhumation process must follow — supervised strictly by magistrates and led by a multidisciplinary team of forensic anthropologists, pathologists, geneticists, and archaeologists.
Tools such as ground-penetrating radar, LiDAR, and drone mapping could be used to locate burial sites. Bones recovered could still reveal trauma, identity markers, and even DNA (especially mitochondrial DNA), but degradation due to time poses challenges.
Efforts must include a mass public outreach to families of missing persons for DNA sampling and a parallel audit of death registers, panchayat records, and hospital logs to validate or disprove the allegations.
Legal and Moral Responsibilities
If proven true, the case goes beyond criminality — it demands moral reckoning. The state must be prepared for a truth-and-reconciliation process, not just arrests or disciplinary action. If the claims are debunked, the investigation itself should remain a benchmark in responsible, transparent governance.
The Dharmasthala case is more than a mystery — it is a test of institutional courage, forensic sophistication, and collective moral clarity. Whether truth or fiction, the response must be deliberate, humane, and guided by evidence — not emotion or pressure.