Say many hesitate to approach local police; demand SIT office be notified as official police station
Mangaluru: The legal team representing Ananya Bhat, the missing medical student whose case is linked to the Dharmasthala secret burial investigation, has urged the state government and the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to establish a dedicated helpline for victims and complainants.
The demand comes in light of multiple individuals approaching the lawyers privately with harrowing stories, following the formation of the SIT by the Karnataka government.
Victims Fear Local Police Harassment, Say Lawyers
The lawyers emphasized that many potential victims and witnesses are reluctant to approach local police stations due to fear, past trauma, or inconvenience. A helpline managed by the SIT, they argued, would ensure safety, privacy, and accessibility.
"After the formation of the SIT, many people have been contacting me and telling me about their horrific experiences and tragedies. They are hesitant to file complaints due to the inconvenience at the local police station. Therefore, I am appealing to the government, which has formed the SIT, to start a helpline," the legal representative stated.
Call to Notify SIT Office as Official Police Station
In addition to a helpline, the legal team is also demanding that the SIT office be officially notified as a police station to ensure legal validity and procedural transparency. Without this step, the team warned that legal loopholes could be exploited by the accused.
"Even though the SIT functions as a 'police station', it is not notified as a 'police station', and the accused may misuse it and get a restraining order from the courts," they cautioned.
They stressed that the absence of a formal notification could weaken ongoing and future cases, and hinder the SIT’s investigative capacity.
Background: Ananya Bhat and the Secret Burial Case
The mysterious disappearance of Ananya Bhat, a medical student, has drawn public and media attention due to alleged links with a secret burial case in Dharmasthala. The state government recently constituted the SIT to probe not only her case but also other potentially related or uncovered cases that may emerge during the investigation.
The SIT is expected to function independently and has been granted powers to investigate multiple criminal leads.
Lawyers Call for Proactive Steps
Legal experts say these steps, launching a helpline and notifying the SIT office as a police station, will increase public trust and ensure justice is served in a transparent, accountable manner.
The request has been forwarded to the Home Department, and a response from the state is awaited.
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