Bengaluru
‘Kondavaru Yaru-Who Killed Women in Dharmasthala?’, a collective network of women’s organisations and citizens seeking justice in the alleged unsolved murders and rapes in Dharmasthala, has written to Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan ahead of his reported visit to the temple town, urging him to reconsider the visit in light of the ongoing criminal investigations.
“We would request that your esteemed office reconsider this participation in light of ongoing criminal investigations, pending judicial proceedings, and serious public grievances associated with the hosting individuals and institutions,” read the letter.
A few news outlets had reported that Mr. Radhakrishnan would visit Dharmasthala on May 30 and 31. The representation from the collective argued that when serious matters are sub judice, any high-profile association or public appearance with individuals or entities connected to these cases creates a powerful perception of indirect State endorsement or immunity.
“Your Excellency’s presence as a Chief Guest risks sending an unintended signal to the local administration, the SIT, and the judiciary, potentially diminishing the perceived gravity of the ongoing investigations and discouraging traumatized victim families from coming forward to pursue due process,” it read.
Pointing at the ongoing SIT probe and active High Court and Supreme Court litigations, the representation urged the Vice-President’s office “to exercise heightened constitutional sensitivity”.
Published – May 28, 2026 10:12 pm IST
