Skeletal remains, including skull and leg bones, recovered near Nethravathi River after a complainant-witness points to the sixth burial spot; forensic and DNA analysis underway
Mangaluru/Dharmasthala: The Dharmasthala mass burial case has taken a dramatic and explosive turn as the Special Investigation Team (SIT) uncovered human skeletal remains at the sixth site identified by the complainant-witness. The remains, reportedly that of a male, were found during an excavation drive in a forest area near the Nethravathi River, within the Dharmasthala police station limits, on Thursday.
Remains Found at Sixth Site After Two Days of Failed Attempts
The SIT had been conducting digging operations since Tuesday at five previously marked sites, but no remains were recovered. However, on the third day of excavation, investigators struck a breakthrough at the sixth grave pointed out by the key witness.
After one and a half hours of intense search, the SIT team recovered several human bones, including a skull and leg bone. The discovery confirms, for the first time, the possibility of secret burials in the long-speculated Dharmasthala mass grave case.
Forensic and Scientific Analysis Ordered
To protect the integrity of the site, the team has covered the area with tarpaulin sheets to prevent rainwater contamination. A temporary shed has also been constructed at the location. The skeletal remains have been seized and sent to the forensic lab for scientific examination, which will include DNA analysis to determine the identity of the deceased and potentially link it to past missing person reports or criminal cases.
"We are preserving the sixth point carefully for forensic evaluation. This discovery could be a significant development in the investigation," a senior SIT official said.
Top Officials and Dog Squad Present at the Site
The excavation operation was supervised by senior officers including SIT Superintendent of Police Jitendra Kumar Dayama and Puttur Assistant Commissioner Stella Verghese. A dog squad was deployed to aid in the search.
The forensic team was observed meticulously collecting bone fragments and other materials. Due to groundwater seepage during the dig, a diesel pump was used to drain water, and excavators were brought in to continue the operation in the forest terrain.
Background of the Case
The investigation stems from allegations made by a witness-complainant, who claimed to have personally buried multiple bodies in the forest region near the Nethravathi River years ago. The SIT has been verifying each claim by excavating multiple suspected burial sites.
The latest finding lends credence to the allegations and is expected to accelerate the investigation, which has so far not yielded concrete evidence in previous attempts.
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