SIT Intensifies Probe in Mass Burial Case in Belthangady; GPS Marking, Red Ribbons, and Drone Surveillance Used at 13 Alleged Sites; Skeletal Exhumation Awaited
Mangaluru: 13 Burial Sites Identified in Dharmasthala Mass Cremation Case
The investigation into the Dharmasthala mass cremation case took a crucial turn on Monday as the witness-complainant guided authorities to 13 distinct locations where bodies were allegedly buried in Dharmasthala village, Belthangady taluk, Dakshina Kannada. The development comes weeks after a case was formally registered at Dharmasthala Police Station on July 4.
SIT Conducts Ground-Level Inspection
Based on the revelations made by the masked complainant, the Special Investigation Team (SIT)—led by Investigating Officer Jitendra Kumar Dayama—initiated an extensive inspection operation starting at 11:30 AM. The complainant arrived at the SIT office in Belthangady along with his legal advisor, disguised to conceal identity.
"We have started the process of conducting site visits to the grave sites identified by the complainants. Site inspections will continue on Tuesday as well,"
said an official involved in the investigation, confirming the operation's ongoing nature.
GPS Coordinates, Ribbons, and Drone Surveillance
The witness first identified the Netravati Snanaghatta area, then led officers to a bush-covered riverside zone next to the Netravati River. There, officers from multiple departments — including the Revenue Department, Forest Department, and Land Records staff — joined the SIT to inspect each location.
“Each site pointed out was documented by tying a red ribbon and assigning a number. GPS coordinates were logged, and drone cameras filmed the entire process,”
confirmed a senior SIT official, underscoring the precision of the operation.
Security Tightened Around Burial Sites
Two personnel from the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) have been deployed at each of the 13 marked spots to prevent tampering or destruction of evidence before skeletal remains are formally exhumed. Officials are also said to be working on securing all identified sites.
High-Level Interrogation and Statement Recording
The witness had earlier appeared before DIG M.N. Anuchet and Investigation Officer Dayama on Saturday and Sunday, providing hours-long statements. SIT chief Pranab Mohanty was also present during the crucial hearing sessions on Sunday.
The complainant had formally recorded his statement before the Belthangady court last week, marking a significant legal step following the initial FIR.
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