Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Oct 22: A women’s delegation comprising writers, filmmakers, activists, and intellectuals met chief minister Siddaramaiah on October 21 and urged him to grant full autonomy to the special investigation team (SIT) probing the alleged mysterious deaths and sexual assaults in Dharmasthala.
The delegation submitted a memorandum demanding that the SIT be allowed to function independently and that old cases, including those involving the deaths of key witnesses, be reinvestigated. They specifically mentioned the Soujanya, Padmalatha, Yamuna, and Narayana cases, alleging that although the culprits were identified earlier, the cases were closed without proper investigation.
The delegation also sought action against officials who showed negligence in handling these cases. They demanded the formation of an independent support group to ensure gender justice and accountability, protection for complainants and witnesses, and strict action against anyone obstructing the ongoing investigations.
The memorandum further called for the implementation of the Ugrappa Committee and Verma Committee reports, as well as the establishment of robust security measures for women. The delegation also proposed the formation of internal committees across all religious institutions and the introduction of comprehensive sex education in schools.
The government had formed the SIT in July under the leadership of DGP Pranab Mohanty following allegations that between 1995 and 2014, several women — including minors — were sexually assaulted and murdered in Dharmasthala, a renowned pilgrimage centre on the banks of the Netravathi River in Dakshina Kannada.
Following the complaint, witness Chinnayya was arrested. The SIT is currently investigating related incidents, including the death of Aane Mavutana and the Soujanya case, by questioning the family members, Dharmasthala gram panchayat staff, ambulance personnel, and activists. However, the final investigation report is yet to be released.