Hans news Service Belthangady

A Multi-Utility Vehicle carrying a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the controversial Dharmasthala mass burial allegations overturned after losing control in the Charmadi ghats on Tuesday, leaving all four occupants injured.

The team, led by SIT Superintendent of Police C.A. Seemon, was travelling from Belthangady to Chikkamagaluru when the accident occurred. They were on their way to meet senior officer Jitendra Kumar Dayama in connection with the sensitive investigation into claims of suspicious deaths and secret burials in the pilgrim centre of Dharmasthala.

According to preliminary reports, the vehicle veered off the road, rammed into an embankment and flipped over. The impact caused extensive damage to the car. The injured personnel include SIT SP C.A. Seemon, Inspector Kusumadhar, Police Constable P.C. Manjunath, and the driver. All four were immediately shifted to a nearby hospital, where they are undergoing treatment. Their condition is stated to be stable.

The Dharmasthala case, which has triggered widespread attention across Karnataka, involves serious allegations of unnatural deaths and illegal burials. The SIT has been conducting an extensive probe, including site visits, excavations, and the recording of statements from multiple witnesses. Tuesday’s road accident comes at a crucial phase of the investigation. Despite the setback, police sources indicated that the probe into the main case would continue without delay. A case has been registered at the Belthangady Traffic Police Station, and authorities have initiated an inquiry to ascertain the exact cause of the accident, including possibilities of mechanical failure, road conditions or driver error.

The Charmadi Ghat section is known for its sharp curves and steep gradients, making it prone to accidents, especially during the monsoon season. This incident has once again highlighted concerns over the safety of officials involved in high-profile and sensitive investigations in the state.

Hans News Service Udupi

ShiroorMutt seer Sri Vedavardhana Teertha Swamiji on Tuesday urged authorities to conduct a comprehensive and impartial investigation into allegations surrounding Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala, saying that clarity on the matter was essential to maintain public confidence and protect the interests of devotees.

In a statement issued here, the seer said the allegations being discussed in the public domain had generated concern among followers of the renowned religious and charitable institution and warranted a fair examination by competent authorities. He said that while allegations and counter-allegations were being widely debated, it was important that the truth emerged through a transparent legal process rather than through speculation or public opinion.

“An objective and unbiased inquiry is necessary to establish the facts. The investigation should determine the veracity of the allegations and also ascertain whether there has been any deliberate attempt to malign the institution through false information or vested interests,” the seer said.

Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala, one of South India’s most prominent pilgrimage centres, attracts lakhs of devotees annually and is widely known for its religious, educational, healthcare and philanthropic activities. Given its significance, any controversy surrounding the institution inevitably attracts widespread public attention, the seer noted.

He said a credible investigation would not only help uncover the truth but also dispel doubts among devotees and the general public. According to him, maintaining transparency in the process was crucial to preserving trust in institutions that have long played an important role in society.

The seer further said that if any wrongdoing was established during the course of the inquiry, those responsible should face appropriate legal action. At the same time, he stressed that individuals or groups found to have intentionally spread falsehoods should also be held accountable under the law.

Appealing for restraint, Sri Vedavardhana Teertha urged members of the public not to jump to conclusions and to allow investigating agencies to carry out their work independently and without external pressure.

His remarks come amid growing public discussion over allegations relating to Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala, with several organisations, activists and community groups seeking a detailed and impartial investigation into the matter.