Mass Grave Claims Rock Karnataka: SIT Begins Excavation at Dharmasthala

Mangaluru: Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara has assured the public of an impartial and thorough investigation, stating the matter is being treated with the utmost seriousness.

Acting swiftly due to the sensitivity and scale of the claims, officials have deployed three separate teams to oversee the process. The digging is being conducted manually within a dense reserve forest near the Nethravathi River, where 13 potential sites were initially identified. The ongoing excavation is being supervised by three tehsildars.

The whistle-blower, who alleges that hundreds of women and young girls were raped, murdered, and buried at the site over a decade ago, is accompanying the team to pinpoint the burial locations. His identity remains concealed as he has expressed fears for his life and that of his family. He is reportedly wearing a protective suit and mask during the operation.

Excavations Underway in Reserve Forest Amid High Security

On Tuesday, the first site near the Nethravathi bathing point was excavated to a depth of 8 feet and a width of 15 feet, but no human remains were recovered. Authorities later refilled the pit. The complainant maintains that the original trenches were about 3 to 3.5 feet deep, prompting the SIT to request the Forest Department for permission to use a small JCB excavator for the remaining sites.

Complainant Alleges Hundreds of Women Were Raped, Killed and Buried

In a key development earlier this month, the unnamed complainant appeared before the Principal Civil Judge and First Class Judicial Magistrate in Mangaluru to record his statement under Section 183 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). He claimed to have escaped Dharmasthala 11 years ago after being forced to bury bodies that showed signs of brutal sexual assault and violence.

The chilling allegations have sent shockwaves across the state, with the truth behind the graves now resting in the soil being unearthed.