India’s mass burial case: Dharmasthala probe uncovers 100 bone fragments, skull at new site

Mangaluru, India: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) continued its excavation operations for the seventh consecutive day on Tuesday at Dharmasthala, Karnataka, linked to a suspected mass burial case near the renowned Hindu pilgrimage site.

Bones found at surprise site

Authorities resumed digging at the originally designated burial site number 11 but found no remains. Following a whistleblower tip-off, the team shifted focus to a previously unmarked location, now tagged site number 14, where over 114 bones and a skull were reportedly unearthed.

Preliminary forensic analysis indicates the remains belong to a male, showing possible signs of strangulation with a red saree—also recovered at the site. The bones have been sent to KMC Hospital in Udupi for further examination.

Whistleblower leads team to new burial site

The complainant, a former sanitation worker, directed authorities to the new site shortly after excavation began at site 11. His lawyer defended the change, stating it would be “unscientific and meaningless” to restrict the investigation to earlier marked locations.

The SIT secured the remains in three buckets and two PVC pipes before removal. Over 20 labourers and four commandos were deployed during the operation. Although a mini earthmover was brought onsite, it was not used due to dense forest conditions.

13 identified burial sites

Of the 13 suspected burial sites flagged by the whistleblower, 10 have been excavated so far. Human remains have been confirmed only at site 6, where skeletal fragments were recovered on July 31.

The whistleblower claims he was forced to dispose of the bodies of women and minors—some allegedly victims of sexual assault—between 1998 and 2014. The sites are scattered across the Nethravathi River banks, nearby highways, and forested areas surrounding Dharmasthala.

Police said the recovered remains have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) to determine the age, gender, and possible cause of death.

Excavation efforts at sites 7 to 10 produced no conclusive evidence, further intensifying focus on the latest find. The operation was carried out in difficult terrain, resulting in minor injuries to a few personnel, officials added.

Suspected minor burial

In a related development, social activist T. Jayant from Ichlampady village filed a complaint alleging an illegal burial of a girl aged 13 to 15 about 15 years ago, reportedly conducted without post-mortem or FIR registration. The SIT has forwarded the case to Dharmasthala police.

Jayant emphasised his complaint is not directed at any individual or religious body but seeks accountability from authorities.

SIT faces calls for transparency and tech upgrades

Activists and legal advocates have urged the SIT to use radar scanning technology to improve grave detection accuracy. A judge recently recused themselves from the case due to a conflict of interest, complicating the investigation.

Senior officials including Puttur Assistant Commissioner Stella Varghese and SIT SP Jitendra Kumar Dayama were present during Tuesday’s excavation.

Dharmasthala mass burial probe: What we know so far

• The whistleblower initially identified 13 possible burial sites near the Dharmasthala bathing ghat and forest.

• Skeletal remains found at the sixth site on July 31 and the surprise site 14 have been sent for forensic testing.

• Although excavation was planned for site 11 on August 4, authorities redirected to an adjacent unmarked site following the whistleblower’s guidance.

• Operations involve about 20 labourers, with four commandos securing the area. Salt sacks believed to assist decomposition were also brought in.

• Advocates demand advanced, non-invasive methods like radar to ensure scientific excavation.

Parallel complaint and investigation progress

• T. Jayant’s complaint alleges improper burial of a minor girl nearly 15 years ago, without due process.

• The SIT has expanded its team, adding nine officers to the original 20 and launched a public helpline for information.

• Investigators are reviewing records of officers serving Dharmasthala police station since 1995 and cross-checking missing persons data statewide.

• Additional burial sites, including one believed to contain the largest number of bodies, have been identified for upcoming excavation.

What lies ahead

The SIT aims to complete excavation of all 13 identified burial sites shortly. A final report will be submitted to the Karnataka government via the Director General of Police. Public interest groups continue to demand transparency, forensic integrity, and judicial oversight throughout the process.

Timeline of key events

• July 4: Formal complaint filed under Section 211(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

• 10: Whistleblower granted protection under Witness Protection Scheme.

• July 11: Complainant’s court statement alleges burial of rape and murder victims.

• July 19: Special Investigation Team (SIT) officially constituted.

• July 31: Partial human remains recovered from burial site 6.

• August 4: New complaint filed by local resident over suspected illegal burial; probe underway.

• August 5: Complainant visits SIT office; advised to lodge case with Dharmasthala police.