Human Skull, Bones Recovered As SIT Intensifies Dharmasthala Mass Grave Probe

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Monday completed the sixth day of excavation at marked burial sites in a Hindu pilgrimage centre in Karnataka’s Mangaluru district, sources confirmed.

Multiple bones and a human skull were recovered during the operation, adding weight to the explosive claims made earlier by a whistleblower.

Soon after excavation began at burial site number 11, the whistleblower led the SIT to another nearby location. The team began digging at the new site, where they reportedly found a skull and several bones.

By the end of the day, SIT staff were seen carrying boxes, pipes, and buckets out of the forest. Workers also carried a sack of salt uphill, suggesting the recovery of multiple bones.

Officers worked continuously without a lunch break, which further indicated a possible major breakthrough.

Authorities, however, have not issued any official statement. It also remains unclear whether digging at site number 11 has been completed.

The SIT aims to finish excavation at all 13 marked burial sites. This could prove to be a turning point in the ongoing Dharmasthala murders investigation.

Eyewitness Alleges Police Cover-up

Meanwhile, T Jayanth, a social activist from Ichilampadi village, filed a complaint with the SIT on Monday. He alleged that a police officer buried the body of a minor girl without legal procedure.

He stated that around 2002 or 2003, police received information about the murder of a girl aged 13–15. Her body was dumped near State Highway 37.

The officer visited the site a week later, clicked a photograph, and buried the body in a shallow trench without registering a case.

Jayanth claimed to be an eyewitness. He said fear kept him from speaking out, but he now trusted the SIT and would bring forward other witnesses if required.

Following the complaint, the SIT directed him to lodge a formal report at the local police station. They assured that action would be taken under the directions of DGP MA Saleem.

Earlier Discoveries and Court Testimony

Earlier, SIT Chief Pronab Mohanty had said no major evidence was recovered from previously dug sites.

However, reports later indicated the recovery of a torn red blouse and a PAN card belonging to a woman named Lakshmi from the first site.

The whistleblower also allegedly submitted a skull to the SIT, claiming it came from one of the sites.

On July 11, the same whistleblower testified in a Mangaluru court. He said he had been forced to bury women and girls who were raped and murdered in Dharmasthala village. He claimed the bodies were found naked or partially clothed, with visible signs of sexual assault.

The Dharmasthala murders case has triggered outrage across Karnataka. A retired Supreme Court judge and activists have demanded a court-monitored SIT probe to ensure justice for the victims.

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