Mangaluru: It has been nearly a year since the Special Investigation Team (SIT) conducted excavation operations to uncover the truth in a specific Dharmasthala case. However, the laborers and machinery owners who worked day and night, regardless of rain or wind, are yet to receive their payments. Victims are now expressing outrage against the government's negligence.

A Struggle for Earned Wages

SIT officials conducted continuous excavation operations in Dharmasthala starting July 29, 2025. The Hitachi (excavator) owners and laborers involved in this operation were supposed to be paid by last November. Complaints have emerged that despite months passing since the operation concluded, the government is harrassing them by not releasing the funds.

The Grievance of Hitachi Owner Sunil Kanyadi

Sunil Kanyadi had provided his Hitachi machine for the SIT operation for 15 consecutive days. Out of those, work was performed for only 10 days. The owner lamented that despite only requesting a bill for the actual days worked out of a sense of humanity, officials have kept them wandering for the past 9 months without settling the bill.

Tussle Between the Panchayat and the SIT

When the victims approach the Dharmasthala Gram Panchayat regarding the bill, they are directed toward SIT officials. On the other hand, when SIT officials are questioned, they reportedly give dismissive answers, claiming the bills were already paid in November. In short, having utilized poor laborers and machinery owners under the pretext of an investigation, the government and the SIT are now drawing public ire for hesitating to provide fair compensation for their hard work.