Decades-Old Disappearance Reignites Dharmasthala Investigation

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the 'mass burial' case in Dharmasthala has taken on a new complaint about the disappearance of a medical student, missing for more than twenty years.

Police records show that on July 15, 2025, Sujata Bhat lodged a complaint at Dharmasthala Police Station, alleging that her daughter, Ananya Bhat, went missing from the temple area in 2003. The case was subsequently handed over to the SIT on August 19, following a directive from the Director General and Inspector General of Police.

This latest development adds to the ongoing Dharmasthala case, which continues to attract considerable public interest. The SIT's mandate is to clarify years-old narratives while considering new complaints arising. Officials have so far declined to confirm any connections between this case and previous allegations, pending the independent examination by the SIT.

(With inputs from agencies.)