New Evidence Unearthed in Dharmasthala Mass Burials Case

In a significant development in the ongoing Dharmasthala mass burials case, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has reportedly unearthed parts of a skeleton and a sari from a new burial spot, according to sources. This discovery marks the second time human remains have been found during the exhumation process, adding a chilling new dimension to the investigation.
The finding was made near what the complainant, a former sanitation worker, has identified as “spot 11” near the Netravathi River. The SIT, acting on the whistleblower’s request, reportedly altered its planned excavation schedule to focus on this location. The presence of a sari alongside the skeletal remains is particularly disturbing, as the complainant’s original allegations centered on the burial of bodies, many of them women and minors who were victims of sexual assault and murder.
The former worker, whose claims of being coerced into burying over 100 bodies sparked the probe, has identified 13 suspected burial sites. While the SIT’s initial digging at several of these locations yielded no results, the first breakthrough came at “spot 6,” where partial skeletal remains, believed to be that of a man, were found. The latest discovery at “spot 11” further substantiates the serious nature of the allegations.
The SIT has been operating under tight security, with a special office established in Mangaluru to manage the investigation. The team’s work continues to be supported by forensic experts and other government departments. As the probe deepens, the focus now shifts to a detailed forensic analysis of the recovered remains to determine the victim’s identity, cause of death, and the circumstances surrounding their burial. The case has sent shockwaves across the state and the nation, reigniting demands for justice for the alleged victims.