Dharmasthala Mass Rape and Murder Case Shocks Karnataka: Calls for SIT Probe Intensify

Bengaluru | July 17, 2025
A shocking revelation of alleged mass rapes, murders, and secret burials of hundreds of young women and girls in Dharmasthala has sent shockwaves across Karnataka, triggering widespread demands for a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter thoroughly and impartially.

The allegations gained momentum after a man, who once worked in Dharmasthala, reportedly came forward and confessed to his role in burying nearly 400 bodies of women and girls at multiple locations in the area. His confession, reportedly recorded before a magistrate, included specific details of the sites where the bodies were buried.

Legal Delegation Presses for Action

In response, a delegation led by retired Supreme Court judge Justice V. Gopala Gowda, along with advocates S. Balan, C.S. Dwarakanath, and Narasimhamurthy, addressed a press conference at the Bengaluru Press Club, demanding swift and impartial action.

“This is one of the most brutal cases in the history of independent India,” Justice Gopala Gowda remarked. “Such a heinous crime cannot occur without the involvement or protection of powerful people. Yet, we see utter negligence from the Home Minister and no action from the government to order a proper SIT investigation.”

He warned that any harm to the whistleblower, witnesses, or lawyers involved in the case would hold the government, the Home Minister, and the Director General of Police responsible. “The person has not just made empty allegations—he has confessed and identified burial sites. This is serious and cannot be brushed aside,” he said.

A Systemic Crime: Lawyers Speak Out

Advocate S. Balan described the incident as a case of mass rape, mass murder, and mass burials. “For years, girls and women have gone missing in Dharmasthala. Now, we know they were raped, murdered, and buried. Girls like Padmalata, Ananya Bhat, Soujanya, Vedavalli, and many others were allegedly subjected to these horrors,” he said.

The delegation met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and urged the government to form an SIT, preferably under the supervision of a sitting or retired High Court or Supreme Court judge. “If the government fails to act, we will move the courts and file a PIL. The law will take its own course,” Balan warned.

Brutality Beyond Imagination

Advocate C.S. Dwarakanath highlighted the depth of cruelty in the alleged crimes. “School and college girls were raped. In some cases, their private parts were burnt with acid. Even during Nizam’s rule, such crimes weren’t seen,” he said emotionally. “The police investigation so far is inadequate, slow, and biased, being handled by officials appointed by those possibly linked to the case.”

He stressed the urgent need to provide protection to the key witness, advocates, and all those involved in exposing the crime.

Political Apathy Across the Spectrum

When questioned about the silence of political parties, Advocate Balan accused both the ruling Congress and opposition BJP and JDS of being complicit by inaction. “For years, these crimes occurred under different governments. Now, when a credible witness has emerged and testified under Section 183 of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), there is still no serious action,” he said.

Government Response

The delegation stated that CM Siddaramaiah assured them he would consult with senior police officials and take appropriate steps. However, no formal announcement regarding an SIT has been made as of now.

Demands from the Delegation:

• Immediate formation of a Special Investigation Team comprising senior and honest police officials.

• Police protection for the witness, advocates, and families of the victims.

• Judicial monitoring of the investigation to ensure fairness and transparency.

The alleged crimes in Dharmasthala represent a disturbing chapter in Karnataka’s history. As the demand for justice grows louder, all eyes are now on the state government and its willingness to act without fear or favor.

🗣️ Key Quotes from the Press Conference:

Justice V. Gopala Gowda (Retd. Supreme Court Judge):

• “This is one of the most brutal cases in the history of independent India.”

• “There must be powerful forces behind this who are trying to suppress the case.”

• “The government’s inaction is shocking. If anything happens to the witness or lawyers, the DGP, Home Minister, and the state will be held responsible.”

Advocate S. Balan:

• “This is a clear case of mass rape, mass murder, and mass burial. The confession is not just an allegation—it is detailed and legally recorded.”

• “Young women and girls like Padmalata, Ananya Bhat, Vedavalli, and others were brutally murdered. The truth must come out.”

• “If the government does not act, we will approach the court and file a PIL. What is the use of a government that doesn’t act on such crimes?”

Advocate C.S. Dwarakanath:

• “School and college girls were raped. Some had their private parts burnt with acid. This is inhuman and beyond imagination.”

• “Even during the Nizam’s rule, we did not see such cruelty.”

• “The investigation is deliberately being delayed and diluted by appointing officers close to the suspects. We need an SIT monitored by a judge.”

On Political Apathy:

• Advocate S. Balan: “Congress, BJP, and JDS—when it comes to this case, they’re two sides of the same coin. No one dares act because the accused are politically and financially powerful.”

• “Today, for the first time, we have a witness who gave a signed confession under BNS Section 183 and named individuals. Yet, no serious response from the state.”

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