Over the years, crimes across the globe often go uncovered, not out of impossibility of solution, but due to the power of fear, authority and silence. In many instances, the victims belong to weak sections of society while perpetrators may be powerful socially, economically or politically, leading to denial and delay of justice. Yet, there have been historical instances where a single courageous act was sufficient to bring buried truth to light and to expose those responsible. Recent allegations against Dharamshala in Karnataka have brought such an issue to public debate.

As per media reports, a sanitation worker who allegedly performed burial duties involving unidentified bodies has made serious allegations related to the happenings from 1995 to 2014 at the temple. He is quoted as having stated that for a period of 19 years, he was ordered by the temple management to bury as many as 815 to 873 women who were allegedly raped or murdered. These women were from within the local community and around and had to be buried in a manner so that their presence could not be known; all this was done, the worker alleges, by powerful and influential persons associated with the temple.

These accusations have grabbed eyeballs as there is an apprehension that the serious criminal activities might have stayed buried for years together.

At the same time, it is imperative to clearly mention that these are mere allegations and require to be investigated fairly by law enforcement agencies.

The allegations have brought to the surface certain very important aspects that need to be carefully analysed: Were these crimes and burials undertaken to hide them due to political, religious or social reasons, and how have they been hidden for so many years? Is the local law enforcement body under surveillance, or have they knowingly been kept out of the knowledge? Have any powerful and influential persons used their stature or financial power in order to suppress any complaints and disallow anyone from opening their mouth? Have any loved ones lost persons from their families due to the acts of crime, and they never knew the fate of their dear ones?

Following outrage from citizens, activists, lawyers and members of Civil society, the Government of Karnataka have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) for a thorough and transparent probe into these charges. According to reports, the SIT has been entrusted with the identification of purported burial sites, carrying out forensic excavation at sites (if required), collection of DNA Samples(if possible), examination of records & documents and recording the statements of witnesses and cross-checking of their statements through science-based methods. With the advanced modern techniques of forensic science, be it DNA analysis, Forensic archaeology, or other scientific examination may be quite helpful in establishing the veracity or otherwise of the claims. However, investigations must be carried out patiently and scientifically by the best people on the field under the rule of law.

This particular incident serves as a very important pointer to the role of whistleblowers. A whistleblower is anyone who, in breach of contract, confidentiality or legal duty, reveals information that can expose crimes, mismanagement, unethical actions or public wrongs committed by their organisation and by powerful and privileged individuals. Such individuals are mostly ordinary persons lacking power and clout and yet rise to expose crime out of their ethical and humanistic concerns for their society and for basic justice, as in this case it appears to be so too.

It indeed takes a tremendous amount of courage to stand up against power and privilege because such actions could land a whistleblower in severe trouble – risks could include immediate termination of employment, career blacklisting, harassment, social isolation, threat of physical harm or even death.

The whistleblower needs to be protected by society and legal means to make similar important disclosures in future for the larger societal interest.

It is equally imperative that one always bears in mind the essential principle of fairness of trial and rule of law. Mere accusations, however serious they may appear on face value, however damning the media trial appears and how strong might be public outcry, without substantial proof and a clear legal verdict, any judgment or conclusion would be unjust both for victims as well as for the accused. Therefore, careful investigation with the help of science-based techniques, collecting corroborating evidence, cross-examination of the witnesses, and due legal procedure must be adopted to provide justice based on facts.

Apart from serving the purpose of resolving the present allegations, the case of Dharmshala brings to light systemic issues pertaining to society at large. It is about the robustness of institutional integrity and accountability mechanisms, more so when dealing with sensitive areas that deal with the life and liberty of individuals. The effectiveness of the criminal justice system is also judged on how transparent and impartially it is seen dealing with and adjudicating in sensitive cases.

A clean, efficient and fair investigation enhances public confidence and faith in the rule of law and established institutions, whereas failure in that aspect might prove to be a setback.

Further, the allegations implicitly raise the question whether law enforcement agencies have played their role effectively and without bias or interference. A fair trial ensuring justice to potential victims is key to building confidence in institutions that are meant to protect their citizens. Moreover, every such report makes a stronger plea for greater sensitivity towards and immediate addressing of violence against women. In addition, delayed justice is indeed ‘justice denied ’, causing irreparable suffering and pain to families.

In most cases, while time cannot heal all the trauma that is associated with losing a loved one under such agonising circumstances and with years of uncertainty; however, providing a sense of closure through an investigation is certainly a minimum requirement of human compassion and societal responsibility.

Finally, the case of Dharmshala has not just to go down as a criminal investigation case, but perhaps more so as a litmus test of the efficiency, efficacy and impartiality of the Indian criminal justice system. The investigation would hopefully shed light on the truth of all the allegations and those responsible, if any, are held accountable in an appropriate legal framework. The victims and their families deserve justice, which would either manifest as punishment for perpetrators and /or compensation wherever such a benefit is granted by the law or a firm finding and acceptance based on evidence if claims are found unsubstantiated by the law enforcement process.

References:

1. Sharma, Y. (2025, July 22). How an Indian temple town is at the centre of hundreds of alleged murders. Al Jazeera.
2. SIT to probe Dharmasthala mass burial case. (2025, July 21). The Times of India.
3. Women's panel demands Special Investigation Team for Dharmasthala deaths, sexual assaults. (2025, July 16). The Times of India.
4. Bali, M., & Burhan, B. (2025, August 17). Mass murder investigation in Indian temple town amid whistleblower's claims of secret burials. ABC News Australia.
5. Hundreds Were Allegedly Raped, Killed at Temple and Whistleblower Says He Buried Them. (2025, July 25). People.
   

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