The Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) has called for a high court-supervised Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe chilling claims made by a former sanitation worker who alleged that he buried bodies of sexual assault victims in Dharmasthala, Karnataka.

At a press conference on Monday, SDPI state president Abdul Majid urged the immediate suspension of officers at Belthangady police station—under whose jurisdiction the alleged crimes occurred—accusing them of gross negligence and apathy toward victims’ families.

Majid stressed that the SIT should include officers with proven integrity and no prior links to the case. He cited a disturbing pattern of inaction and unresolved cases of rapes, disappearances, and suspicious deaths in the area, many of which, he claimed, were buried—both literally and metaphorically.

“Families weren’t even allowed to register complaints in some instances. How many daughters must go missing before authorities act?” he asked.

The SDPI also demanded:

  • A public hearing where victim families can testify without fear

  • Compensation and protection for those who come forward with evidence

  • Legal and psychological support for affected families

    • The former sanitation worker has alleged that he was forced to bury multiple bodies between 1998 and 2014, many showing signs of sexual violence. After fleeing in 2014 out of fear, he recently returned and lodged a complaint with the police. He recorded his testimony before a local magistrate last week.

    The SDPI plans to launch a statewide awareness campaign next week to demand justice and accountability.