Dharmasthala mass burial case: SIT Expands Search, Supreme Court Denies Media Gag

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Dharmasthala case conducted a search operation in the Bolar Forest area on Thursday. The team, accompanied by the whistleblower, identified new spots where human remains were allegedly buried. One of the sites identified is close to the Kaleri petrol bunk, where the whistleblower had claimed to have buried the body of a school girl in 2010.

The whistleblower had initially identified 13 spots, which were marked by the SIT. An additional site near the 11th spot was identified and excavated, and human remains along with fragments of jewelry were found. Human remains were also found at the sixth spot. The SIT’s Jitendra Kumar Dama and other officials were present during the search operation.

The SIT has been given police station powers, which means they can directly register an FIR without routing it through the Dharmasthala police station. This development is expected to speed up the investigation process.

In another development, the police have arrested 50-year-old Jeep driver Somnath Sapalia from Kanyari for attacking three YouTubers earlier this week. He was picked up in Kolkata and sent to judicial custody for 14 days.

The Supreme Court has refused to impose a gag order on the media from reporting on the case. Dharmasthala’s temple secretary Harshendra Kumar had sought a gag order, but the court rejected the plea. This comes after the Karnataka High Court struck down a gag order issued by the Bengaluru court, which not only stopped the media from reporting but also asked them to delete over 8,000 links.

The case continues to attract widespread attention, with many questioning the temple administration’s role in the alleged crimes. The SIT’s search operation and the identification of new sites have added a new dimension to the case. As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the authorities will handle the case and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The Dharmasthala case has raised several questions about the role of institutions and the need for transparency and accountability. The temple administration’s actions have been under scrutiny, and many are demanding answers. The case has also highlighted the importance of freedom of expression and the role of the media in highlighting important issues.

The arrest of Somnath Sapalia is a significant development in the case, and it remains to be seen how the investigation will proceed. The Supreme Court’s decision to refuse a gag order on the media is a significant victory for freedom of expression and the right to information.

As the case continues to unfold, it is essential to monitor how the authorities handle the investigation and how the media reports on it. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency, accountability, and responsible behavior in all aspects of life.

The Dharmasthala case is a complex and multifaceted issue, and it will require a thorough and transparent investigation to uncover the truth. The SIT’s search operation and the identification of new sites are significant developments, and it remains to be seen how the case will proceed. One thing is certain, however: the case will continue to attract widespread attention and scrutiny in the coming days.
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