Kondavaru Yaaru, a women’s organisation, has demanded that the government ensure a comprehensive investigation by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) into all unnatural deaths reported at Dharmasthala in the last 10 years. A large number of women took part in Kondavaru Yaaru’s silent march at Belthangady to demand the probe.
In a memorandum submitted to the Belthangady tahsildar on December 16, the members of the women’s group said the investigation should be carried out in a free and fair manner, as per the notification issued by the State government on July 19, 2025.
In light of allegations that SIT officers ill-treated victims who had come to lodge complaints regarding unnatural deaths, Kondavaru Yaaru members said the government should try to avoid such a scenario. The government and SIT should openly declare that they are committed to protecting the identities of complainants and witnesses related to the deaths.
They also demanded disciplinary action against officers that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court charged with shoddy investigation of the 2012 rape and murder of Soujanya in Dharmasthala. Increasing the number of CCTVs in public places and setting up a women’s help desk should be among the measures taken to increase security for women. All religious institutions should have internal committees to look into complaints of sexual harassment. Activate local committees for the prevention of sexual harassment at the taluk level, stated members in the memorandum.
Published – December 16, 2025 10:42 pm IST
