HC Lifts Stay on Dharmasthala Probe, Allows SIT to Resume Investigation

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The Karnataka High Court has lifted its interim stay on the special investigation into the Dharmasthala Mass Burial Case, allowing the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to resume its probe. The court, however, extended interim protection to the accused, directing the SIT not to harass them during the investigation. The SIT's probe, which was halted on October 30, will now continue into FIR No. 39/2025, registered at the Dharmasthala Police Station. The case revolves around allegations of mass burials of unidentified women and children, with some bearing signs of sexual assault, made by CN Chinnaiah in July. The accused, activists Girish Mattannavar, Mahesh Shetty Timarodi, T Jayant, and Vitthala Gowda, will face further interrogation by the SIT. The court's decision comes amid an ongoing hearing on a petition by the group seeking the quashing of the FIR, which they claim was politically and religiously motivated. Special public prosecutor BN Jagadish welcomed the court's order, stating that the SIT acted within the law and obtained necessary approvals before conducting the investigation. Jagadish also accused the petitioners of providing false information to obtain the stay. The petitioners' counsel, senior advocate S Balan, argued that his clients were repeatedly targeted despite not being named in the FIR and were subjected to continuous questioning. Balan also alleged that the notices were issued out of 'political, religious, and organizational enmity.' The court's decision allows the SIT to resume its probe, but the accused will continue to receive interim protection from harassment during the investigation.