Decades of disappearances: Women’s groups demand justice in Dharmasthala
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Karnataka: Women’s organisations and civil society groups across Karnataka have launched a statewide campaign demanding justice for women and girls who have disappeared or been killed in Dharmasthala over the past four decades.
The campaign, titled “Kondavaru Yaaru – Who Killed Women in Dharmasthala”, was announced on Thursday when representatives submitted a memorandum to Karnataka State Women’s Commission Chairperson Dr. Nagalakshmi Choudhary.
The movement gains momentum as allegations of mass burials in Dharmasthala were recently overturned, with the Special Investigation Team (SIT) arresting the complainant under witness protection for alleged perjury. During its probe, the SIT found that the complainant had not exhumed the skulls himself, contrary to his claims.
Activists cited a series of unresolved cases, including the 2012 abduction and murder of Soujanya, the 1986 killing of Padmalatha, and the 1979 rape and burning alive of teacher Vedavalli. They alleged police failures, political interference, and public apathy had allowed perpetrators to remain unpunished for decades.
“This is not just about individual cases. It is about ensuring women’s dignity, safety, and justice,” campaign representatives said in a statement. “We will continue to press for an impartial, victim-centred investigation and hold the government accountable.”
The memorandum urged the SIT, formed earlier this year, to conduct investigations without political interference and to cover all cases linked to Dharmasthala. It also demanded witness protection measures, the withdrawal of prejudicial statements by ministers, and stronger safety protocols for women at religious and public spaces.
Campaigners expressed concern over media trials, intimidation of witnesses, and attempts to undermine the SIT’s neutrality. They said they hoped Choudhary, who had previously intervened in high-profile cases such as the Prajwal Revanna matter, would ensure accountability.
The delegation that met the commission included representatives from Naaveddu Nilladidre, Janawadi Mahila Sanghatane, Manasa Balaga, Karnataka State Women’s Anti-Atrocity Forum, and several other grassroots groups.
On Wednesday, members of the movement also met Karnataka’s Director General of Police, urging action against media outlets they claimed were targeting witnesses in these cases.