Timeline India

Tag: Dharmasthala

  • Dharmasthala Case: Anonymous Complainant Placed in 10-Day SIT Custody by Beltangady Court

    Beltangady, August 23, 2025 – The Beltangady court, on Saturday, August 23, 2025, ordered the anonymous complainant in the Dharmasthala case, identified as Chinnayya, to be placed in Special Investigation Team (SIT) custody for 10 days for further questioning. The complainant had claimed that numerous bodies, primarily of women and girls, were buried in Dharmasthala between 1994 and 2014, triggering a high-profile investigation led by senior officer Pranav Mohanty since July 20, 2025.

    The case, which has unfolded over the past two months, took a significant turn with this custody order. SIT sources indicate that inconsistencies and contradictions in the complainant’s statements, particularly regarding the alleged discovery of skulls, led to his detention. The complainant’s protection under the Witness Protection Act was revoked by the Mangaluru competent authority on August 22, 2025, after he retracted parts of his testimony and failed to provide verifiable details about burial sites. Excavations at 17 locations yielded only minor bone fragments, which forensic analysis could not link to the alleged crimes.

    The SIT, acting on credible information, summoned the complainant for questioning on August 22 and arrested him the following morning. After a medical examination at Beltangady Government Hospital, he was produced before the court at 11:00 AM, which granted 10 days of custody to probe the discrepancies and potential perjury. A new FIR has been filed under Sections 209, 227, and 229 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for false information, fraud, and obstructing investigation.

    Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, addressing the media, emphasized the government’s commitment to justice, stating, “We stand for justice, not sides. The SIT’s probe will ensure action against the guilty.” The case has sparked political debate, with Congress leaders like Belur Gopalakrishna demanding strict action against misinformation, while BJP leaders have been accused of politicizing the issue.

  • Udupi: Mahesh Shetty Timarodi Taken into Police Custody for Two Hours in B.L. Santosh Defamation Case

    Udupi, August 23, 2025 – The Udupi Additional Civil Judge and Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC), Nagesh, on Saturday, August 23, 2025, ordered social activist Mahesh Shetty Timarodi to be taken into police custody for two hours for interrogation in connection with a defamation case. The case stems from alleged derogatory remarks made by Timarodi against BJP National General Secretary (Organisation) B.L. Santosh, as reported by Brahmavar police.

    Following a petition by the Brahmavar police requesting custody for questioning, Judge Nagesh directed that Timarodi be produced in court within one hour. Accordingly, Timarodi, who was lodged in Hiriyadka Jail, was brought to the Udupi court under heavy police security around 1:30 PM. After the hearing, the court granted two hours of police custody for interrogation, ordering his return to court by 3:40 PM. The police then took Timarodi for questioning as per the court’s directive.

    The case, registered under Sections 196(1), 352, and 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) following a complaint by Rajeev Kulal, president of Udupi Rural BJP Mandal, alleges that Timarodi used abusive language against Santosh on social media, potentially inciting communal enmity. Timarodi’s bail plea hearing, which took place on the same day, was adjourned to 3:00 PM after the prosecution sought time to file objections.

  • Bengaluru: DCM D.K. Shivakumar Addresses Dharmasthala Complainant’s Arrest, Emphasizes Justice Over Politics

    Bengaluru, August 23, 2025 – Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, speaking to the media near his Sadashivanagar residence on Saturday morning, addressed the arrest of the anonymous complainant in the Dharmasthala case by the Special Investigation Team (SIT). Emphasizing impartiality, he stated, “We are neither on their side nor this side; we stand for justice. We only ask that politics not be played in matters of religion.”

    Responding to questions about his earlier mention of a “conspiracy” in the case, where the complainant alleged multiple murders and burials in Dharmasthala, Shivakumar remarked, “The BJP was silent until now, speaking vaguely. It was only after I raised the conspiracy angle that they started commenting.” He noted that the Dharmasthala family had met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, praising the formation of the SIT, led by senior officer Pranav Mohanty, on July 20, 2025. “The investigation is ongoing. Whether it’s the guilty or the innocent, our government will take action,” he added, citing assurances from the CM and Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara in the Assembly and CLP meetings.

    The SIT arrested the complainant, identified as Chinnayya, on August 23, 2025, after the Mangaluru competent authority revoked his protection under the Witness Protection Act on August 22, due to inconsistencies in his claims. The accused was presented in Beltangady court and remanded to judicial custody, with further interrogation expected.

    On Sujatha Bhat’s statement denying Ananya Bhat as her daughter, Shivakumar said, “The Home Minister will handle it.” Regarding a meeting with Congress leader Randeep Surjewala, he explained it was to prepare for local body elections, stating, “The court has directed us to hold elections, so we’re assigning responsibilities.” He also confirmed his participation in the Congress Janadhikara Yatra in Bihar, noting, “The CM has been invited and will join on another day.”

  • Dharmasthala Case: SIT Arrests Anonymous Complainant for Perjury, Further Investigation Ongoing

    Beltangady, August 23, 2025 – The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Dharmasthala case arrested the anonymous complainant, identified as Chinnayya, on Saturday, August 23, 2025, for providing false information and obstructing the investigation. The complainant had alleged that numerous bodies, primarily of women and girls, were buried in Dharmasthala between 1994 and 2014, claiming involvement in their disposal. These claims led to the formation of the SIT, headed by senior officer Pranav Mohanty, on July 20, 2025, following public and political pressure.

    The arrest came after the Mangaluru competent authority revoked the complainant’s protection under the Witness Protection Act on August 22, 2025, due to discrepancies in his statements. SIT sources revealed that the complainant retracted parts of his testimony given to a magistrate, admitting to providing misleading information. On Friday, August 22, he was summoned to the SIT office for questioning, and on Saturday morning, he was arrested. After a medical examination at Beltangady Government Hospital, he was presented before the Beltangady court at 11:00 AM and remanded to judicial custody.

    The SIT’s investigation, which included excavating 17 sites based on the complainant’s claims, found no significant evidence, such as skeletal remains, to substantiate the allegations. Only minor bone fragments were recovered, which forensic analysis could not link to the alleged crimes. The complainant’s failure to identify burial sites accurately and the absence of corroborating evidence raised suspicions of perjury, leading to a new FIR under Sections 209, 227, and 229 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for false information, fraud, and obstructing investigation.

    Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar stated, “The government will take action against the guilty. The SIT’s probe has exposed the truth, protecting Dharmasthala’s sanctity.” Congress MLA Belur Gopalakrishna demanded strict action against those spreading misinformation, emphasizing the need to preserve the region’s religious integrity. Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara confirmed the arrest, noting that further details would be provided by the SIT after its final report.

  • Belthangady: Case Filed Against Girish Mattannanavar for Obstructing Police Duty and Threatening Defamation

    Mangaluru, August 22, 2025 – Dakshina Kannada Superintendent of Police Arun K. has confirmed that a case has been filed against Girish Mattannanavar at Belthangady Police Station for obstructing police duties and issuing threats during an attempted arrest of Mahesh Shetty Timarodi. The action stems from a complaint related to derogatory remarks allegedly made by Timarodi against BJP National General Secretary B.L. Santosh.

    On August 21, 2025, officers from Brahmavar Police Station, including a Sub-Inspector and senior officials, visited Timarodi House in Ujire, Belthangady Taluk, to arrest Mahesh Shetty Timarodi in connection with a case registered at their station. During the operation, Girish Mattannanavar, Jayanth, and approximately 10 others formed an unlawful assembly, physically resisted the arrest, and threatened to spread defamatory content on social media against the officers, according to SP Arun.

    After Timarodi’s arrest, he refused to travel in the police vehicle, opting for his own car. During the transit, 10 to 15 vehicles followed the police convoy, causing further disruption. The case has been registered under Sections 132 (obstructing public servant), 189(2) (unlawful assembly), 351(2) (criminal intimidation), 263(a) (causing danger or obstruction), 190 (common intention), and 262 (resistance to lawful apprehension) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023. The investigation is ongoing to address the violations and ensure accountability.

  • Udupi: Three Arrested for Obstructing Police Duty and Colliding with Vehicle

    Udupi, August 21, 2025: The Karkala Rural Police arrested three individuals—Srujan L., Hitesh Shetty, and Sahan, all residents of Ujire—for allegedly obstructing police duty and colliding with a police vehicle during the escort of activist Mahesh Shetty Timarodi to Brahmavar Police Station. The incident occurred in connection with a case registered at Brahmavar (Crime No. 177/2025) involving hate speech allegations against Timarodi for derogatory remarks against BJP National General Secretary B.L. Santosh.

    While transporting Timarodi from Ujire to Brahmavar, his supporters followed the police convoy in their vehicles, ignoring repeated warnings not to interfere. Near Hosmar, within the Karkala Rural Police Station limits, the accused allegedly rammed their car (KA70 M3048) into the official vehicle of the Udupi District Additional Superintendent of Police (KA20 G0669), attempting to halt the convoy. A case was registered under Sections 132, 121(1), 281, and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, along with Section 3 of the Karnataka Prevention of Dangerous Activities Act.

    The arrested individuals were produced before the court, which remanded them to judicial custody. The police also seized the white Swift car used in the incident. The investigation is ongoing to ensure law and order, amid heightened tensions in the region due to Timarodi’s legal issues.

  • Beltangady: Sister of 1986 Rape-Murder Victim Seeks SIT Probe into Decades-Old Case

    Beltangady, August 11, 2025: Indravati, the sister of Padmalatha, who was brutally raped and murdered in 1986, visited the Special Investigation Team (SIT) office in Beltangady on Monday to demand a fresh investigation into the unresolved case.

    Accompanied by CPM leader B M Bhat and supporters, Indravati arrived at the SIT office to submit a formal request for reinvestigating her sister’s case. She stated that the complaint would be officially filed once senior SIT officials were present.

    Padmalatha, a resident of Boliyaru, was a victim of a horrific rape and murder nearly four decades ago. The case has remained unsolved, prompting renewed calls for justice.

    The SIT was established following claims by an anonymous witness alleging that multiple bodies were buried in Dharmasthala village, linked to past crimes. The team has been actively investigating these claims, and a dedicated SIT office, functioning as a police station, was recently set up in Beltangady to handle such cases.

  • SDPI Delegation Visits Ujire Hospital to Meet YouTubers Attacked in Dharmasthala

    Belthangady, August 7, 2025: A delegation from the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) visited Benaka Hospital in Ujire, where four YouTubers, assaulted by miscreants in Dharmasthala, are receiving treatment. The visit was in response to the violent attack on the YouTubers, which occurred on August 6 near Pangala Cross while they were interviewing a person in connection with the ongoing Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the alleged mass burial case.

    The SDPI delegation was led by State Secretary Riyaz Kadambu and included Mangaluru Rural District President Anwar Sadath Bajattur, Mangaluru Urban District President Abdul Jaleel K, Mangaluru Rural District Vice-President and Bantwal Municipal Vice-President Moonish Ali, District Committee members Haneef Poonjal Katte and Aboobakkar Madd, Belthangady Constituency President Akbar Belthangady, and other party leaders.

    The delegation expressed solidarity with the victims and condemned the attack, which has sparked widespread concern and protests in the region. The YouTubers, identified as Ajay Anchan of Kudla Rampage, Abhishek of United Media, Vijay of Sanchari Studio, and a cameraman, sustained injuries, with one reported to be in critical condition. The incident has led to heightened tensions, prompting police to deploy additional security in Dharmasthala.

  • ಧರ್ಮಸ್ಥಳ ದೂರು: ಪ್ರಕರಣದ ತನಿಖೆಯನ್ನು ಎಸ್ ಐಟಿ ನಡೆಸಲಿದೆ; ತಾಳ್ಮೆ ಕಳೆದುಕೊಳ್ಳಬೇಡಿ: ಯು.ಟಿ.ಖಾದರ್

    ಮಂಗಳೂರು, ಜುಲೈ 21, 2025: ಧರ್ಮಸ್ಥಳದ ಪೊಲೀಸ್ ಠಾಣಾ ವ್ಯಾಪ್ತಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ನಡೆದಿದೆ ಎನ್ನಲಾದ ಸರಣಿ ಹತ್ಯೆ ಮತ್ತು ಅಸಹಜ ಸಾವುಗಳ ಪ್ರಕರಣದ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ದೂರುಗಳು ಬಂದ ಹಿನ್ನೆಲೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ತನಿಖೆಗೆ ಸರಕಾರ ಎಸ್ ಐಟಿಯನ್ನು ರಚಿಸಿದೆ. ತನಿಖೆಯ ಬಳಿಕ ಸತ್ಯಾಸತ್ಯತೆ ಬಹಿರಂಗಗೊಳ್ಳಬಹುದು. ಕಾನೂನು ಪ್ರಕಾರ ಮುಂದಿನ ಕ್ರಮ ನಡೆಯುತ್ತದೆ. ಅದಕ್ಕಿಂತ ಮೊದಲೇ ಪೂರ್ವಗ್ರಹ ಪೀಡಿತರಾಗಿ ಹೇಳಿಕೆ ನೀಡುವುದರ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ನಾವು ಆತ್ಮಾವಲೋಕನ ಮಾಡಿಕೊಳ್ಳಬೇಕು. ತನಿಖೆ ನಡೆಯುವವರೆಗೆ ಜನತೆ ತಾಳ್ಮೆ ಕಳೆದುಕೊಳ್ಳಬಾರದು ಎಂದು ವಿಧಾನ ಸಭಾಧ್ಯಕ್ಷ ಯು.ಟಿ.ಖಾದರ್ ತಿಳಿಸಿದ್ದಾರೆ.

    ಸುದ್ದಿಗೋಷ್ಠಿ ಯಲ್ಲಿಂದು ಮಾತನಾಡಿದ ಅವರು, ಸರಕಾರ ಪ್ರಕರಣವನ್ನು ಎಸ್ ಐಟಿಗೆ ವಹಿಸಿರುವ ಕಾರಣ ಧಾರ್ಮಿಕ ಪಾವಿತ್ರ್ಯತೆ ಯನ್ನು ಹೊಂದಿರುವ ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರದ ಪಾವಿತ್ರ್ಯಕ್ಕೆ ಧಕ್ಕೆಯಾಗುವ ಹೇಳಿಕೆ ನೀಡುವುದರ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಯೂ ಆತ್ಮಾವಲೋಕನ ಮಾಡಿಕೊಳ್ಳಬೇಕು.

    ತನಿಖೆ ಸಮರ್ಪಕವಾಗಿ ನಡೆಯಲು ಎಸ್ಐಟಿ ಗೆ ಎಲ್ಲರ ಸಹಕಾರ ಅಗತ್ಯ ಎನ್ನುವುದು ನನ್ನ ಅಭಿಪ್ರಾಯ ಎಂದರು.

  • ಧರ್ಮಸ್ಥಳ ಪ್ರಕರಣ: ಎಸ್‌ಐಟಿ ಸೇರಲು ಇಬ್ಬರು ಅಧಿಕಾರಿಗಳು ಹಿಂದೇಟು?

    ಧರ್ಮಸ್ಥಳ: ಧರ್ಮಸ್ಥಳ ಗ್ರಾಮದಲ್ಲಿ ನಡೆದಿದೆ ಎನ್ನಲಾದ ಸರಣಿ ಹತ್ಯೆ ಆರೋಪ ಪ್ರಕರಣವನ್ನು ವಿಶೇಷ ತನಿಖಾ ತಂಡಕ್ಕೆ (ಎಸ್‌ಐಟಿ) ವರ್ಗಾಯಿಸಿ ರಾಜ್ಯ ಸರ್ಕಾರ ಶನಿವಾರ (ಜು.19) ಆದೇಶಿಸಿದೆ.

    ಧರ್ಮಸ್ಥಳ ಪೊಲೀಸ್ ಠಾಣೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ದಾಖಲಾಗಿರುವ ಕ್ರಿಮಿನಲ್ ಮೊಕದ್ದಮೆ ಸಂಖ್ಯೆ 39/2025 ಕಲಂ 211(ಎ) ಬಿಎನ್‌ಎಸ್, ಈ ಪ್ರಕರಣದ ಸಮಗ್ರ ತನಿಖೆಯನ್ನು ಕೈಗೊಳ್ಳಲು ವಿಶೇಷ ತನಿಖಾ ತಂಡ (ಎಸ್‌ಐಟಿ) ರಚಿಸಲಾಗಿದೆ ಎಂದು ಸರ್ಕಾರದ ಆದೇಶ ತಿಳಿಸಿದೆ.

    ಮೇಲೆ ಉಲ್ಲೇಖಿಸಿದ ಪ್ರಕರಣ ಮಾತ್ರವಲ್ಲದೆ, ಅದಕ್ಕೆ ಸಂಬಂಧಿಸಿದಂತೆ ರಾಜ್ಯದ ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಪೊಲೀಸ್ ಠಾಣೆಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ದಾಖಲಾಗಿರುವ ಪ್ರಕರಣಗಳನ್ನು ಎಸ್‌ಐಟಿಗೆ ವರ್ಗಾಯಿಸಲಾಗಿದೆ ಎಂದು ಸರ್ಕಾರ ಹೇಳಿದೆ.

    ಆಂತರಿಕ ಭದ್ರತಾ ವಿಭಾಗದ ಪೊಲೀಸ್ ಮಹಾ ನಿರ್ದೇಶಕ ಪ್ರಣವ ಮೊಹಂತಿ ಅವರ ನೇತೃತ್ವದಲ್ಲಿ ಎಸ್‌ಐಟಿ ರಚಿಸಲಾಗಿದ್ದು, ನೇಮಕಾತಿ ವಿಭಾಗದ ಉಪ ಪೊಲೀಸ್ ಮಹಾ ನಿರ್ದೇಶಕ ಎಂ.ಎನ್‌ ಅನುಚೇತ್, ಸಿಎಆರ್ ಕೇಂದ್ರದ ಉಪ ಪೊಲೀಸ್ ಆಯುಕ್ತೆ ಸೌಮ್ಯಲತಾ ಮತ್ತು ಆಂತರಿಕ ಭದ್ರತಾ ವಿಭಾಗದ ಪೊಲೀಸ್ ಅಧೀಕ್ಷಕ ಜಿತೇಂದ್ರ ಕುಮಾರ್ ದಯಾಮ ತಂಡದ ಸದಸ್ಯರಾಗಿದ್ದಾರೆ.

    ಈ ನಡುವೆ ಎಸ್‌ಐಟಿಯಿಂದ ಅಧಿಕಾರಿಗಳಾದ ಎಂ.ಎನ್‌ ಅನುಚೇತ್ ಮತ್ತು ಸೌಮ್ಯಲತಾ ಅವರು ಹಿಂದೆ ಸರಿಯಲು ನಿರ್ಧರಿಸಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಈ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಸರ್ಕಾರಕ್ಕೆ ಪತ್ರ ಬರೆಯಲು ಮುಂದಾಗಿದ್ದಾರೆ ಎಂದು ಮಾಧ್ಯಮದಲ್ಲಿ ವರದಿಯಾಗಿತ್ತು.

    ಎಸ್‌ಐಟಿ ತಂಡದಿಂದ ಯಾವ ಅಧಿಕಾರಿಗಳೂ ಹಿಂದೆ ಸರಿದಿಲ್ಲ : ಗೃಹ ಸಚಿವ ಜಿ.ಪರಮೇಶ್ವರ್‌ ಸ್ಪಷ್ಟನೆ

    ಧರ್ಮ‍ಸ್ಥಳದಲ್ಲಿ ಸರಣಿ ಹತ್ಯೆ ಆರೋಪಕ್ಕೆ ಸಂಬಂಧಿಸಿದಂತೆ ರಚಿಸಲಾಗಿರುವ ಎಸ್‌ಐಟಿ ತಂಡದಿಂದ ಯಾವ ಅಧಿಕಾರಿಗಳೂ ಕೂಡ ಹಿಂದೆ ಸರಿದಿಲ್ಲ ಎಂದು ಗೃಹ ಸಚಿವ ಜಿ.ಪರಮೇಶ್ವರ್‌ ಸ್ಪಷ್ಟನೆ ನೀಡಿದ್ದಾರೆ.

    ಸೋಮವಾರ ನಗರದಲ್ಲಿ ಮಾಧ್ಯಮದವರೊಂದಿಗೆ ಅವರು ಮಾತನಾಡಿದರು.

    ಎಸ್‌ಐಟಿ ತಂಡದಿಂದ ಕೆಲವು ಅಧಿಕಾರಿಗಳು ವೈಯಕ್ತಿಕ ಕಾರಣದಿಂದ ಹೊರಗುಳಿಯಲಿದ್ದಾರೆ ಎಂದು ವರದಿಯಾಗಿರುವ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಪತ್ರಕರ್ತರ ಪ್ರಶ್ನೆಗೆ ಪ್ರತಿಕ್ರಿಯಿಸಿರುವ ಅವರು, “ಆ ರೀತಿಯ ಯಾವುದೇ ಬೆಳವಣಿಗೆ ನಡೆದಿಲ್ಲ. ಅವರೆಲ್ಲ ಜಬಾಬ್ದಾರಿಯುತ ಸ್ಥಾನದಲ್ಲಿರುವ ಹಿರಿಯ ಅಧಿಕಾರಿಗಳು, ಅವರು ತಮ್ಮ ಕೆಲಸವನ್ನು ಮಾಡುತ್ತಾರೆ. ನನಗಾಗಲಿ, ಸರಕಾರಕ್ಕಾಗಲಿ ನಾವು ಬರುವುದಿಲ್ಲ ಎಂದು ಅವರು ಹೇಳಿಲ್ಲ” ಎಂದು ಸ್ಪಷ್ಟಪಡಿಸಿದರು.