Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Oct 28: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing allegations of hundreds of unnatural deaths in Dharmasthala is likely to submit its comprehensive final report by the end of this week, Home minister Dr G Parameshwara said on Monday.

Speaking to the media, Dr Parameshwara stated, “The SIT has been instructed to submit its final report regarding the Dharmasthala case. The officials had earlier informed that the report would be submitted within October. Hence, it is expected to be filed by October 31, though there could be a delay of a day or two.”

He added that the SIT was directed to provide a detailed and conclusive report based on the investigation. “The SIT has informed that it is analysing the forensic science laboratory (FSL) reports and chemical analyses related to the skeletal remains recovered during the probe, and will submit a consolidated report soon,” he said.

Meanwhile, the SIT, which is investigating the alleged mass murders in Dharmasthala, had issued notices under Section 41A to activists Mahesh Shetty Thimarodi, Girish Mattannavar, T Jayanth, and Soujanya’s uncle, Vittal Gowda, summoning them for questioning on Monday. Reports suggest that had they appeared for questioning, they might have faced arrest. However, all four failed to turn up.

Meanwhile, lawyers representing Thimarodi visited the SIT office and requested a seven-day extension for their clients to appear for inquiry.

On Monday morning, complainant Sujatha Bhat appeared before the SIT office, where she was questioned by SP Simon. Earlier, in 2003, she had lodged a complaint alleging that her daughter Ananya went missing after visiting Dharmasthala. However, during the latest inquiry, she completely retracted her statement, admitting that she has no daughter and had made a false statement under the influence of Mattannavar, Jayanth, and others.

Based on information provided by Chinnayya, the SIT carried out excavations at around 18 locations, including Banglegudde. Human skeletal remains were recovered from some sites and have been sent for DNA and forensic examination. Chinnayya had earlier claimed that a skull he handed over to the police was given to him by Soujanya’s uncle, Vittal Gowda.

However, as several key complainants have now withdrawn their statements, the SIT has reportedly found no evidence so far to substantiate the allegations of mass killings in Dharmasthala.

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