In a significant development in the ongoing Dharmasthala mass burial investigation, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has uncovered human skeletal remains and pieces of a saree at Spot 11, one of the 15 sites identified by a former sanitation worker who earlier blew the whistle on alleged mass burials in the region.
This latest finding, discovered near the Nethravathi River, comes amid mounting scrutiny and pressure from citizens, activists, and missing persons’ families demanding justice and transparency.
Origin of the Shocking Allegations
The case came to light when a former sanitation employee, who worked for the Dharmasthala Temple between 1995 and 2014, filed a formal complaint in early July. He alleged that he had been coerced into burying over 100 bodies, mostly of women and children, many of whom showed signs of violence such as acid burns, strangulation, and sexual assault.
An FIR was registered on July 4, following which the complainant was granted protection under the Witness Protection Scheme. His testimony and the initial submission of a skeletal fragment triggered public outrage and prompted a high-level probe.
SIT Formed to Investigate the Case
On July 19, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the formation of an SIT led by senior police officials including DGP Pronab Mohanty. The team was tasked with investigating claims of disappearances, unnatural deaths, and illegal burials.
Their investigation focused on 15 sites, most of them near the Nethravathi River and forested areas, based on detailed inputs from the whistleblower.
Excavation Results So Far
Excavation at the marked sites began on July 29. However, the early days yielded no significant finds at Sites 1–5 and 9–10, despite extensive digging.
That changed on July 31, when 15 bone fragments were discovered at Site 6, along with a PAN card and ATM card—potential leads for identifying a victim. This marked the first confirmation of human remains, adding credibility to the whistleblower’s account.
Site 11: Saree and Skeletal Fragments Uncovered
The recent discovery at Site 11 included bone fragments and a piece of a saree, thought to be saffron and cream-colored. Interestingly, these items were found just outside the originally designated dig site, after the whistleblower advised a shift in excavation direction.
Forensic teams have collected the remains and sent them to the Manipal Forensic Science Laboratory for DNA analysis and verification.
Push for Better Forensic Techniques
Investigators are now being urged to deploy Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) technology to detect hidden remains at deeper or shifted layers, especially since monsoon rains and soil erosion may have displaced buried materials. Families of the missing, including that of Ananya Bhat, a medical student who vanished in 2003, have joined the appeal.
Leadership Shake-ups and Public Pressure
The SIT has faced some internal changes. DGP Pronab Mohanty, who heads the investigation, may soon be transferred to a central government post. Additionally, one senior woman officer has reportedly stepped down from the team.
Despite these changes, Home Minister G. Parameshwara assured the public that no individual, no matter how influential, would be shielded from the probe.
Demands for Transparency and Justice
The Dharmasthala temple management, which has also come under the scanner, has issued a statement calling for a high-level, court-monitored investigation to ensure complete fairness. They stressed the importance of uncovering the truth over speculations and rumors.
Why This Matters
- Skeletal remains may help identify victims and establish missing persons’ links.
- The presence of multiple burial sites could confirm the sanitation worker’s claims of mass burials.
- The findings raise questions about past disappearances and unreported crimes in the region.
- Public, legal, and media scrutiny may push for reforms in temple administration, police handling, and forensic procedures.
At a Glance: Key Dates in the Investigation
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June 2025 | Whistleblower reveals mass burials |
| July 3 | FIR filed in Dharmasthala |
| July 10 | Witness protection granted |
| July 19 | SIT officially formed |
| July 29 | Excavations begin |
| July 31 | Bone fragments found at Site 6 |
| August 4 | Saree and skeletal remains found at Site 11 |
As investigations continue, Karnataka awaits answers. The revelations emerging from the sacred town of Dharmasthala have shaken public trust and raised difficult questions about decades of alleged abuse, cover-ups, and systemic silence. Whether justice will follow remains the pressing question.
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