Dharmasthala is a Signal of the Rotting Indian Justice System

The remote temple town of Dharmasthala, in Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka state, is now in national and international media attention not for its celebrated shrines but because of the gory details of an investigation into the series of murders and unnatural deaths that took place there for a number of years.

The police investigations have unearthed a large collection of human remains, allegedly belonging to the people whose bodies were buried there in secrecy, bypassing the normal legal procedures. The investigations are still ongoing and the details will be known only when the police file formal reports in the courts of law.

But the shocking developments have brought to light the terrible situation prevailing in the Indian justice system and the way police and political powers have been colluding with powerful forces controlling many of our religious institutions often defying democratic norms and legal obligations. The individuals connected with the Dharmasthala temple and trust have wielded enormous political power and influence, thanks to their grip on the large crowd of devotees. Most political parties including the Congress and BJP which controlled power in the state have maintained close relationships with the individuals who are now facing serious allegations of criminal actions like torture, murder and abduction of women, etc. Such incidents have been regularly reported from the place for a long time, and complaints have been filed with the police, but none of the cases had been properly investigated and the culprits brought to justice. Instead, the individuals now facing serious charges had been given all political protection and showered with many important national honours including a seat in the Rajya Sabha.

The present investigations are taking place following information provided by a whistleblower, who claimed that he had been involved in the secret burial of hundreds of dead bodies in the forest and some private lands, on the banks of river Nathravati. He had identified some of these places and the recent diggings in those spots have proved that his claims were absolutely true.

It is highly important that these investigations are taken to their logical conclusion and the real culprits brought to justice and handed out the severest punishment for their crimes. But there are apprehensions that the present investigations will be toppled by the powerful forces facing allegations as they had been able to in the past. Hence, it is necessary that the investigations are conducted under strict judicial scrutiny and the Supreme Court itself should take these matters into its purview to see that justice prevails and the people assured that the police and investigating authorities would not cow down to those forces who enjoy political protection. Such an uncompromising action on the part of the higher judiciary is a must to uphold the integrity of India’s legal and judicial system, now facing a severe crisis because of erosion of public trust and confidence.

BM Kamble
National vice President
Social Democratic Party of India