SIT Launches Probe into Alleged Mass Burials in Dharmasthala; DIG Anucheth to Lead Investigation

Mangaluru (Karnataka): The Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed to probe the suspected mass burial incident in Dharmasthala, Dakshina Kannada district, officially began its inquiry on Saturday, according to officials.

Senior personnel reported to the newly established SIT office located within the Intelligence Bureau premises at Mallikatte. The team also conducted preliminary site visits linked to the ongoing investigation, sources revealed.

Deputy Inspector General of Police M N Anucheth, tasked with overseeing the probe, arrived in Mangaluru and is set to lead a high-level review meeting involving over 20 officers assigned to the SIT, a senior police official said.

Superintendent of Police Jitendra Dayama has been appointed the chief investigating officer. The SIT comprises officers drawn from Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada districts, including inspectors and sub-inspectors from the Dharmasthala, Mulki, and Byndoor police stations.

As per sources, the team is likely to begin internal briefings shortly and may summon the anonymous individual who initially flagged the alleged mass burials. The interrogation, expected to take place at the SIT office in Mallikatte, will be conducted under DIG Anucheth’s supervision.

The necessary infrastructure, including video recording systems, has been put in place to ensure proper documentation of all statements and proceedings, police sources added.

Officials stated that the SIT is fully equipped to pursue the matter from both legal and procedural angles. The investigation will focus on verifying the authenticity of the complaint, identifying individuals potentially involved, and determining whether any laws were violated.

The Karnataka government constituted the SIT earlier this month in response to the anonymous complaint, considering the grave and sensitive nature of the allegations.