In a powerful appeal for justice and accountability, over 40 women’s rights organisations and prominent activists have written to Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, seeking her intervention in the ongoing investigation into a series of unnatural deaths and alleged sexual assaults in Dharmasthala, Karnataka. The letter, dated September 4, 2025, was signed by leading voices from across the country under the banner “Who Killed the Women in Dharmasthala?” and calls for an impartial and victim-centric inquiry into decades of unresolved cases.
The appeal comes amid a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into mass graves and skeletal remains discovered in the Ujire–Dharmasthala region. The Karnataka State Women’s Commission had earlier urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to form the SIT following disturbing revelations from whistleblowers and RTI data. Activists have flagged political interference, media sensationalism, and institutional apathy as major obstacles to justice.
🧭 Timeline of Dharmasthala Deaths and Investigative Developments
| Year | Incident / Development | Outcome / Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1979 | Vedavalli case | Unresolved, no convictions |
| 1986 | Padmalatha case | Alleged sexual assault, no closure |
| 2012 | Sowjanya case | CBI probe initiated, culprits untraced |
| July 2025 | SIT formed after activist pressure | Excavations begin in Ujire–Dharmasthala belt |
| Sept 2025 | Women’s groups write to Sonia Gandhi | Demand for political accountability |
The letter urges Congress leaders not to undermine the SIT’s work and calls for the 2018 Ugrappa Report to be considered as part of the investigation.
🔍 Key Demands Made by Women’s Organisations
| Demand Area | Specific Request | Intended Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Political Accountability | Sonia Gandhi to ensure Congress leaders support SIT | Prevent political interference |
| Victim-Centric Inquiry | Focus on justice for women and students | Restore public trust in law enforcement |
| Transparency | Public release of SIT findings | Enable civil society oversight |
| Historical Justice | Reopen unresolved cases from 1979–2012 | Address systemic impunity |
The letter also criticizes statements made by Deputy CM DK Shivakumar and Home Minister G Parameshwara, who allegedly warned party cadres against commenting on Dharmasthala on social media.
📉 RTI Data and Grave Concerns Raised
According to RTI data cited in the letter, 424 deaths were recorded in the Ujire–Dharmasthala belt between January 2001 and October 2012. Many of these involved women and girls, with patterns of unexplained disappearances, sexual violence, and alleged cover-ups.
| Data Point | Value / Description | Source / Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| Total Deaths (2001–2012) | 424 | RTI records from local police stations |
| Documented Cases | Sowjanya, Padmalatha, Vedavalli | No convictions, delayed investigations |
| Excavated Sites | 11 (15 identified) | Skeletal remains found, toxic substances detected |
| Poisonous Substances | 3 confirmed in remains | Forensic labs involved |
The Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of the matter, and civil society groups are demanding a judicial inquiry.
🔥 Political Reactions and Alleged Interference
| Political Leader | Statement / Action | Public Reaction |
|---|---|---|
| DK Shivakumar | Called it a “conspiracy against Dharmasthala” | Accused of trivializing victims’ lives |
| G Parameshwara | Warned cadres against social media posts | Criticized for undermining transparency |
| Lakshmi Hebbalkar | Allegedly discouraged party comments | Accused of shielding errant officers |
| Sonia Gandhi | Yet to respond publicly | Pressure mounting from civil society |
Activists argue that political silence and deflection are obstructing justice and enabling impunity.
🧠 Expert Commentary on Dharmasthala Probe and Women’s Appeal
| Expert Name | Role | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Meera Iyer | Gender Rights Advocate | “This is not just about one town—it’s about whether women’s lives matter in Karnataka.” |
| Rajiv Bansal | Legal Analyst | “The SIT must be protected from political pressure to maintain credibility.” |
| Dr. Rakesh Sinha | Historian of Social Movements | “The appeal to Sonia Gandhi is a strategic move to invoke ethical leadership.” |
Experts agree that the investigation must remain independent and focused on justice, not political expediency.
📦 Prominent Signatories of the Letter to Sonia Gandhi
| Name | Profession / Affiliation | Contribution to Campaign |
|---|---|---|
| Arundhati Nag | Actor, Theatre Activist | Public awareness and mobilization |
| Kavita Lankesh | Filmmaker | Documentation and storytelling |
| Suman Kittur | Director, Writer | Advocacy and media engagement |
| Akkai Padmashali | Gender Rights Activist | Intersectional justice and policy critique |
| Vijayamma | Journalist, Author | Historical research and RTI coordination |
The campaign “Kondavaru Yaaru? Who Killed the Women in Dharmasthala?” has gained traction across Karnataka and beyond.
📅 Upcoming Milestones in Dharmasthala Investigation
| Event | Date | Strategic Importance |
|---|---|---|
| SIT Excavation Completion | September 2025 | Forensic analysis of remaining sites |
| Judicial Review Petition | October 2025 | Demand for independent oversight |
| Women’s March for Justice | November 2025 | Statewide mobilization and awareness |
| Assembly Debate on SIT | December 2025 | Legislative scrutiny of investigation |
These milestones will determine the trajectory of the probe and the political response to civil society demands.
📌 Conclusion
The letter from women’s groups to Sonia Gandhi seeking intervention in the Dharmasthala deaths is a clarion call for justice, transparency, and ethical leadership. As Karnataka grapples with the legacy of unresolved violence against women, the SIT probe must be shielded from political interference and guided by a commitment to truth. The appeal underscores the urgency of confronting systemic complicity and restoring faith in institutions meant to protect the vulnerable.
—
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports, RTI data, and expert commentary as of September 6, 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or political advice.
