The Special Investigation Team (SIT) set up to examine the alleged mass burial case in Dharmasthala, Dakshina Kannada district, officially launched its probe on Saturday, according to police officials.
Senior officers, including Deputy Inspector General (DIG) MN Anucheth, convened at the newly established SIT office within the Intelligence Bureau premises in Mallikatte, Mangaluru. DIG Anucheth, who is overseeing the probe, is scheduled to lead a high-level strategy meeting involving over 20 officials and personnel assigned to the case.
Superintendent of Police Jitendra Dayama has been appointed as the chief investigating officer. The SIT comprises officers from Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada districts, including personnel from the Dharmasthala, Mulki, and Byndoor police stations.
Sources confirmed that the team has already visited key locations related to the case. Interrogations, including of the anonymous complainant who brought the allegations to light, are expected to be held at the SIT office in Mallikatte under DIG supervision. All procedural safeguards, including video documentation, have been put in place.
The Karnataka government constituted the SIT following a confidential complaint alleging mass burials near Dharmasthala. The SIT’s mandate includes verifying the complaint’s legitimacy, identifying any individuals involved, and determining whether any legal or criminal offenses were committed.
Officials emphasize that the investigation will proceed with both legal rigor and procedural transparency, given the sensitive nature of the allegations.