Dharmasthala case | No immediate plans to resume exhumation work: SIT

Mangaluru: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has clarified that it has no immediate plans to resume the exhumation as part of the ongoing probe into the alleged mass burials in Dharmasthala.

But SIT officials have maintained that the decision is not permanent and that the team may take up exhumation at a later stage, depending on the outcome of investigation. SIT sources told DH, when contacted, that there has been no proposal to restart exhumation activities.

“We will consider it only if the investigation process and collected evidence demand such a step,” the source added. Responding to queries about where the complainant witness was taken for spot mahajars on Thursday, SIT officials maintained that the details being confidential could not be disclosed at this stage in the interest of investigation.

Sources revealed that SIT had questioned many individuals in order to records their statements as part of the probe. YouTuber Abhishek was also questioned by SIT officials until wee hours on Thursday. Abhishek by uploading an interview with complainant witness in his Youtube channel, United Media, was accused of revealed the identity of the complainant, compromising their safety under the Witness Protection Scheme.

SIT officials however declined to share further details connected to the questioning of Abhishek. Officials stressed that SIT is meticulously examining all angles of the case and will decide on further steps, including possible exhumation, based solely on the findings of the ongoing investigation.

Complaint filed against Supreme Court advocate K V Dhananjay and his team

Residents of Dharmasthala filed a complaint to Special Investigation Team (SIT) against Supreme Court advocate K V Dhananjay and his team including Divin, Ojaswi Gowda and Sachin Deshpande on Wednesday.

Rajendra Ajri told mediapersons after submitting complaint to SIT that complainant witness submitting his complaint to the court had revealed that all documents pertaining to alleged mass burial case had been handed over to Dhananjay.

"With complainant witness being arrested for providing false information, action should be initiated against Dhananjay and his team of advocates who are in possession of more such fake documents," Ajri urged.

SIT officials responding to the complaint filed against advocate K V Dhananjay clarified that it is not mandatory to investigate such complaints. “These complaints do not fall within the scope of SIT’s responsibilities,” the source emphasised.