Daijiworld Media Network - Beltangady

Beltangady, Oct 31: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Dharmasthala mass burial has once again issued notices to four individuals who failed to appear for questioning despite being summoned earlier.

According to sources, the SIT had earlier served notices directing the four — Vithal Gowda, Mahesh Shetty Thimarodi, Girish Mattannanavar, and Jayanth T — to appear for inquiry on October 27. However, none of them turned up for questioning.

In the fresh notice, the SIT has instructed Vithal Gowda to appear on October 31, while Mahesh Shetty Thimarodi, Girish Mattannanavar, and Jayanth T have been asked to report for questioning on November 3.

Officials pasted notices on the doors of Thimarodi's house in Ujire and at Vithal Gowda’s residence, while notices for Jayanth and Mattannanavar were served directly at their Bengaluru homes.

Last week, although the four failed to appear, their lawyers visited the SIT office in Beltangady on October 27 seeking additional time. Following the request, the SIT had granted a seven-day extension to Timarodi and a three-day extension to the remaining three.

Meanwhile, Sujata Bhatt, another person summoned in connection with the case, had appeared before the SIT and completed her questioning.

With the extended deadline now over, the SIT has reissued the notices, making it clear that the four individuals must present themselves for inquiry without fail. The investigation into the case continues under close supervision, with officials determined to ensure full cooperation from all those summoned.