**Title:** Women’s Groups Demand Justice Amid Dharmasthala Deaths Probe
**Meta Description:** Women’s organizations urge action from Congress leaders regarding ongoing investigations into unnatural deaths in Dharmasthala, highlighting past cases and concerns.
**URL Slug:** womens-groups-demand-justice-dharmasthala-deaths-probe
**Headline:** Women’s Organizations Call for Justice in Ongoing Dharmasthala Deaths Investigation
In light of the ongoing Special Investigation Team (SIT) inquiry into unnatural deaths in Dharmasthala, various women’s organizations have reached out to Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, raising the question, “Who killed women in Dharmasthala?” These groups recalled that in July 2025, the Karnataka State Women’s Commission had already urged the Chief Minister to establish an SIT in response to alarming reports of unnatural deaths and sexual assaults in the area.
Activists and local media have brought attention to several historical cases, including the 2012 Sowjanya case, the 1986 Padmalatha case, and the 1979 Vedavalli case. According to data obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act, a staggering 424 deaths were recorded in the Ujire–Dharmasthala region between 2001 and 2012. While the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had taken on the Sowjanya case, the organizations noted that the perpetrators remain unidentified.
The letter from these groups highlighted several pressing concerns: a worker recently claimed to possess documents related to multiple deaths, complainants have faced arrests as the investigation continues to stall, and political parties have adopted conflicting positions. The BJP has framed the issue as a “religious war,” while some Congress leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, Home Minister G Parameshwara, and MLA Lakshmi Hebbalkar, have reportedly cautioned their members against discussing Dharmasthala on social media.
The organizations are urging the SIT to take into account the 2018 Ugrappa Report, advocate for justice for the victims, and implore Congress leaders not to undermine the investigation or protect negligent officials.
In conclusion, the call for justice in Dharmasthala underscores the need for accountability and thorough investigation into the troubling pattern of unnatural deaths in the region. The involvement of women’s organizations highlights the urgency of addressing these issues and ensuring that the voices of the victims are heard.
**FAQ Section:**
**Q: What actions are women’s organizations taking regarding the deaths in Dharmasthala?**
A: Women’s organizations are urging Congress leaders to support the ongoing SIT investigation and are advocating for justice for the victims while highlighting past cases of unnatural deaths in the region.