Mangaluru – In a shocking incident linked to the ongoing SIT investigation into the alleged mass burial case in Dharmasthala, four men associated with three YouTube channels were attacked by a mob of around 50–60 people on Wednesday evening, police confirmed.
The assault occurred near Pangal Cross, close to the house of a college student who was raped and found dead in 2012, a case that remains controversial.
The victims — Ajay Anchan, Abhishek, Vijay, and a cameraman — were in the middle of an interview with Rajat, a former Bigg Boss Kannada contestant, when the crowd turned violent. Their camera equipment was also vandalized during the attack.
All four were rushed to Benaka Hospital in Ujire, where one is reported to be in critical condition.
Soon after the attack, tensions escalated between two groups in the area, resulting in stone-pelting. Police intervened and used a mild lathi charge to disperse the crowd.
Security has been tightened in sensitive zones, and investigations are underway, although no arrests have been made yet. Authorities are examining CCTV footage to identify those involved.
Dakshina Kannada SP Arun K has urged the public to remain peaceful and assured that strict action will follow once the culprits are identified.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed after demands from civil society, lawyers, and Karnataka Women’s Commission chairperson Nagalakshmi Choudhary, regarding allegations of mass murders and burials in Dharmasthala. So far, the SIT has dug 13 locations, finding skeletal remains in at least two.