DHARMASTHALA: In a chilling development in the ongoing investigation into alleged mass burials near Karnataka’s Dharmasthala town, a special investigation team (SIT) on Thursday recovered partial skeletal remains suspected to be of a man, along with PAN and ATM cards, during the third day of exhumations.
The remains were found approximately 4 feet underground at the sixth of 13 sites identified by the complainant, a former sanitation worker who alleges that he was forced to bury over 100 bodies—mostly of women and minors—between 1995 and 2014.
The discovery was made in a forested patch near the Netravathi river, where 15 bones—some fractured—were unearthed. However, no skull was found at the site.
Initial Forensic Findings
A forensic expert at the scene stated the bones appeared to be from a male individual, though full confirmation awaits a detailed forensic examination. The remains were carefully documented and seized by the investigation team.
Puttur subdivision assistant commissioner Stella Verghese was present during the exhumation. An SIT official confirmed, “We noted down the details at the site and handed the remains over for forensic analysis.”
Other Evidence and Investigation Progress
The PAN and debit cards recovered earlier this week were found at the first exhumed site, though no remains were located there. SIT officers believe they may belong to a man with a history of alcoholism, possibly lost during a past visit to Dharmasthala.
So far, five other sites were dug up on Tuesday and Wednesday, yielding no human remains.
Following the skeletal find, the investigation has gathered momentum, with nine senior officers newly added to the SIT on Thursday.
The complainant continues to assist the team by guiding them to the remaining alleged burial spots. The case has drawn statewide attention due to the sensitive nature of the allegations and the proximity to the revered Dharmasthala temple town.
