SIT summons four ex-Panchayat presidents as Dharmasthala probe uncovers skulls and missing persons.
Belthangady
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the Dharmasthala case has summoned four former presidents of the Dharmasthala Gram Panchayat. Keshav Belal, Prabhakar Poojary, Geetha, and Chandan Kamath appeared at the SIT office in Belthangady on Monday as part of the ongoing probe.
Earlier, complainant-witness Chinnaiah recorded his statement on September 27 before the Additional Civil Judge and Judicial First Class Magistrate in Belthangady under Section 183 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
During the investigation, the SIT recovered around seven skulls from Banglegudda hill in Dharmasthala. Among the items found was a driving licence belonging to Adishesha Narayana from Gubbi, Tumakuru district, who went missing in 2013. Narayana, employed at a bar, was last seen on October 2, 2013. His family informed authorities that he frequently left home without notice and returned after days, and they had never filed a missing person’s complaint. The police have requested the family provide additional information and undergo DNA testing.
Investigators also recovered a card belonging to UB Aiyappa of Kodagu, missing for seven years. Officials emphasized that identification through documents alone is insufficient, and forensic testing is essential for confirmation.
Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Veerendra Heggade commented that the SIT’s probe revealed a conspiracy aimed at discouraging devotees. Addressing devotees after a Chandika Homa, he said, “Despite false allegations, Dharmasthala shines brighter, and the number of visitors continues to grow.” Heggade added that new pro-society welfare programs will soon be launched in the region, underscoring the kshetra’s commitment to community development.
