Dharmasthala Mass Burial Case: SIT Excavation Enters Seventh Day With Major Breakthroughs

On Tuesday, the SIT resumed digging at Burial Site Number 11, located near the religious town of Dharmasthala. Despite reaching a depth of five feet, no remains or personal items were discovered at this site.

However, moments after work began, a whistleblower guided officials to a nearby unmarked site, now labelled Burial Site Number 14, where the investigation took an unexpected turn.

Excavation at the new site revealed a substantial number of human remains. Officials reported recovering approximately 114 bones, including a skull and other major skeletal components.

Authorities found a red saree and male slippers at the location, prompting speculation about the circumstances surrounding the burial.

Initial forensic assessments suggest the remains likely belong to a male.

Investigators observed strangulation marks around the neck, believed to have been caused using the recovered saree. They have sent the skeletal remains to a government medical facility in Udupi for detailed forensic examination.

Earlier Findings and Contradictions

These discoveries follow earlier reports of bones found at Burial Site Number 6, near the Nethravathi River.

Authorities had also recovered personal items such as a torn blouse, an identity card, and banking documents. These findings have complicated the investigation, prompting questions about the identities of the deceased and whether officials followed proper legal procedures in past deaths.

Although officials found no evidence at Sites 7 and 8, they continue to excavate at multiple locations under the guidance of the whistleblower.

Whistleblower’s Role and Allegations

A former sanitation worker sparked the investigation by alleging that authorities secretly buried numerous bodies between 1995 and 2014.

He stated that the victims included minors, women, and possibly survivors of sexual assault, and accused officials of conducting the burials without any formal documentation or police inquiry.

The whistleblower recently submitted a skull fragment to SIT officials, reportedly from one of the unmarked sites. His testimonies have led the SIT to identify and begin excavation at 13 locations.

Adding to the complexity of the case, a local activist from Ichilampadi village has now alleged that authorities buried a minor girl’s body over a decade ago without following legal procedures.

This allegation has prompted the SIT to widen its probe into historical cases of missing persons and suspicious deaths.

Meanwhile, calls have grown louder for the use of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to aid in the detection of buried remains, especially in areas where soil conditions and time have made manual excavation challenging.

Officials stated they are considering using advanced technologies to ensure that no burial site is overlooked.

As the SIT continues its efforts, pressure is mounting to ensure transparency and justice.

The case has shocked residents and drawn national attention, with investigators now working around the clock to identify the remains and unravel what could be one of Karnataka’s most disturbing crime revelations.

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