Daijiworld Media Network – Beltangady

Beltangady, Jul 12: In connection with the ongoing investigation of Dharmasthala Crime No. 39/2025, the district authorities have approved witness protection for the complainant witness, with the order coming into immediate effect as of Friday evening, informed police sources.

However, concerns have arisen regarding a potential breach of the complainant witness’s identity. Despite efforts to safeguard the individual’s anonymity, the press note and FIR copy shared on public platforms by representatives of the complainant witness included identifiable details such as age, nature and duration of employment, and workplace location. These details have allegedly enabled many locals to deduce the complainant witness’s identity.

In response, officials have decided to maintain the witness’s identity undisclosed for all official purposes. Meanwhile, a separate enquiry into the identity breach has been initiated under the supervision of the DySP, Bantwal.

On Friday, the complainant witness appeared before the court in Beltangady to record his statement. During the proceedings, the witness also presented skeletal remains which he claimed to have personally exhumed. These remains were seized by the police in the presence of legal representatives and panchayat witnesses.