In a fresh development in the Dharmasthala case in Karnataka, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has discovered more human bones during an ongoing search operation in the forest. The latest remains were found about 100 feet away from “Point 11,” which had earlier been identified by a sanitation worker as a significant spot. Upon receiving the information, SP Jitendra Kumar Dayama, along with other senior police officers, reached the site deep within the forest and carried out a thorough inspection. The location was marked and the skeletal remains were segregated for further examination. Officials completed the mahazar (official site documentation) procedures and confirmed that the remains would be sent to a forensic lab in Bengaluru for detailed analysis.

Earlier, the SIT had begun inspections based on 13 locations identified by a key witness. Human remains had already been found from the sixth point. However, with this new discovery emerging from an unmarked location, the investigators believe it is necessary to expand the scope of the search further.

In a controversial twist, it has now emerged that the police destroyed several important records that could have had major implications for the case. Documents related to unnatural deaths in Dharmasthala between 2000 and 2015 were reportedly disposed of. In response to a Right to Information (RTI) request, officials claimed that the files were destroyed in accordance with legal provisions for discarding outdated case files. However, the revelation has sparked concerns, especially since 485 unnatural deaths had been registered in Dharmasthala during that period. When FIR numbers and death certificates related to these deaths were requested, it was officially stated that the records had already been destroyed.

Raipur: Two Malayali nuns arrested in Chhattisgarh on human trafficking allegations have been granted conditional bail by the Special NIA Court in Bilaspur after nine days in custody. Principal Sessions Judge Sirajuddin Qureshi granted the bail.

The bail conditions include two sureties of ₹50,000 each, prohibition from leaving the country, and surrendering passports to the court. The nuns, Preethi Mary and Vandana Francis, along with an Adivasi youth named Sukhman Mandavi, had filed the bail application.

Senior advocate Amrito Das, representing the nuns, argued that the FIR lacked credible evidence and that they possessed all required documentation for employment-related travel. The prosecution did not seek custody, and the court noted the lack of criminal background as a factor in granting bail. They are expected to be released from Durg Central Jail on Saturday afternoon.

New Delhi: The Central Government has denied permission for the Action Council for Nimisha Priya to travel to Yemen. The Ministry of External Affairs rejected the application submitted as per the direction of the Supreme Court, citing four reasons including the lack of diplomatic relations with Yemen.

The government also raised concerns over the security situation and the safety of the representatives. The council had informed the Supreme Court that five members, including three from the council and two from a supervising organization, along with two diplomatic representatives, needed to travel for discussions. The Ministry of External Affairs has officially rejected the request.