Daijiworld Media Network – Beltangady

Beltangady, Aug 2: The explosive investigation into alleged mass burials in Dharmasthala village took a significant turn  as a local resident, Jayanth T, appeared before the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in Beltangady and filed a formal complaint based on what he claims to be a first-hand account of a suspicious burial that took place over a decade ago.

Addressing the media after meeting SIT officials, Jayanth revealed that around 15 years ago, he personally witnessed the body of a young girl in Dharmasthala village, which he claims was buried without any legal procedure, police intervention, or post-mortem.

“I saw the girl’s body myself. It was not taken to a hospital, no FIR was filed, and no post-mortem was done. The body was buried quietly, and I have reliable information confirming this. That is what I’ve reported to the SIT,” he said.

Jayanth added that the incident had haunted him for years, and he had spoken about it on several platforms in the past. However, with the formation of the SIT by the state government and increased public attention to the case, he now felt safe and encouraged to officially lodge a complaint.

“Back then, there was fear — fear of backlash, fear of being silenced. Even now it’s difficult, but this time the environment has changed. The SIT has given many of us the courage to speak up. I have full faith in their ability to bring justice,” he stated.

He also made a chilling allegation that more such deaths had occurred in the village and had been suppressed. “There have been multiple killings in Dharmasthala over the years. These were covered up by intermediaries. Everyone knew, but no one dared to speak,” he said, adding that the mass burial issue is just the tip of the iceberg.

When pressed by reporters about why the matter was not raised at the time, Jayanth responded emotionally, referencing a personal family tragedy: “My niece, Padmalatha, went missing. What happened to her? What about her case? There are people who know and are ready to come forward. They will speak to the SIT.”

He further revealed that five to six more individuals are preparing to share what they know and file complaints. “They are finally ready to talk and share their pain. The SIT is on the right track,” he noted.

Though Jayanth had initially planned to file additional details on the day of his visit, SIT officials advised him to return on Monday to submit the full complaint, as the following day is a government holiday.

With this statement and supporting accounts expected to follow, the SIT investigation into Dharmasthala’s alleged mass burials and unreported deaths appears set to enter a critical phase, possibly unravelling years of silence and cover-ups.