SIT tightens security as skeletal remains emerge near riverbank burial site
Dharmasthala: The mass burial investigation in Karnataka’s temple town of Dharmasthala has taken a chilling turn, as the Special Investigation Team (SIT) recovered 25 bone fragments from a shallow 4-foot pit near the Netravathi river.
The skeletal remains—believed to belong to a male—were unearthed at the sixth of 13 suspected burial sites, identified by a whistleblower who claims to have been coerced into burying over 100 bodies, many of them women and minors, between 1995 and 2014. The bones were reportedly in fragmented condition, with some broken, raising further questions about the circumstances of death and disposal.
Forensics and Vigilance Intensify
According to preliminary forensic observations at the site, the remains likely belong to a male individual, though full confirmation awaits detailed analysis at the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL). In the meantime, authorities have taken stringent precautions to preserve the site, erecting protective barriers to prevent tampering and environmental damage.
The SIT has increased security at the excavation zones, with police sources confirming that further excavations will be carefully supervised to avoid loss or contamination of evidence.
Allegations Spark Widespread Concern
The SIT was formed by the Karnataka government following explosive claims by a former sanitation worker, who alleged he had buried bodies under pressure over a 19-year period. His detailed testimony led officials to 13 potential burial grounds near the Netravathi bathing ghat.