SIT to submit charge sheet in Dharmasthala mass burial case

Mangaluru: The long-awaited charge sheet in the Dharmasthala mass burial case is expected to be filed today. After nearly four months of investigation, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has finalized a detailed 4,000-page charge sheet against the Burude gang, signaling a major development in the high-profile case.

SIT investigation officer Jitendra Kumar Dayam is scheduled to submit the charge sheet to the Belthangady JMFC court. The charge sheet reportedly names six accused, including the gang’s key figures Mahesh Shetty Timarodi, Burude Chinnayya, Girish Mattannavar, Jayant T, Sujata Bhat, and Vithalgouda, in connection with the gruesome mass burial incident at Dharmasthala.

The 4,000-page document compiles statements from anonymous witnesses, site inspections of more than 17 burial locations, records of interrogations, and other investigative details. Supporting evidence such as photographs, video recordings, and individual statements of all involved parties have been meticulously documented. The SIT also incorporated findings from the complaint process that began on June 22 and lasted two months, alongside the four-month investigation conducted by the police.

According to sources, the charge sheet details a premeditated conspiracy by the Burude gang. SIT officials have also highlighted the involvement of six local witnesses likely to come forward, which could strengthen the prosecution’s case.

Ahead of the charge sheet submission, a high-level meeting was convened under the leadership of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Home Minister G. Parameshwar, DGP M.A. Saleem, and SIT chief Pranab Mohanti were among the officials present at the briefing. The meeting focused on ensuring smooth legal proceedings and security measures during the court submission.

Chinnayya, one of the key accused, has already been arrested, while interrogations of the remaining gang members have been conducted. The filing of the charge sheet is expected to reveal the intricate details of the Burude gang’s operations and the conspiracy behind the mass burial incident, generating widespread public and media interest.

This development marks a significant step in delivering justice for the victims and their families and provides a clearer picture of the Burude gang’s criminal activities.

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