Dharmasthala Mass Burial Case: Women's Groups Launch Statewide Campaign After SIT's Unsuccessful Findings
In Karnataka, a statewide campaign has been launched by women’s organisations and civil society groups demanding justice for women and girls who have allegedly disappeared or been killed in Dharmasthala over the past four decades. The campaign named “Kondavaru Yaaru – Who Killed Women in Dharmasthala” was announced.
The women representatives submitted a memorandum to Karnataka State Women’s Commission Chairperson Dr. Nagalakshmi Choudhary.
The campaign follows after the Special Investigation Team arrested the complainant under witness protection, for alleged perjury for producing false evidence. SIT has reportedly found that he had not exhumed the skull himself as he claimed.
Read also: Dharmasthala Mass Burial: Whistleblower Arrested, Woman Says Missing Daughter Story Was Fake
Activists cited a series of unresolved cases, which include the 2012 abduction and murder of Soujanya, the 1986 killing of Padmalatha, and the 1979 rape and burning alive of teacher Vedavalli. The memorandum alleged police failures, political interference, and public apathy to allow perpetrators to go unpunished for decades.
“This is not just about individual cases. It is about ensuring women’s dignity, safety, and justice,” campaign representatives said in a statement. “We will continue to press for an impartial, victim-centred investigation and hold the government accountable.”
The memorandum urged the Special Investigation Team (SIT), to investigate without political interference and to cover all cases that has been linked to Dharmasthala.
The group also demanded witness protection measures, withdrawal of prejudicial statements by ministers, and stronger safety protocols for women at religious and public spaces.
Campaigners voiced concern over media trials, witness intimidation, and what they called efforts to compromise the SIT’s neutrality. They expressed hope that Choudhary, who had earlier intervened in high-profile cases like the Prajwal Revanna matter, would uphold accountability.
