Dharmasthala mass burial case: Human bones found at sixth site in major breakthrough

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has recovered partial skeletal remains from the sixth of 13 suspected burial sites in Dharmasthala, Karnataka. The search was prompted by a shocking complaint from a former sanitation worker who alleged mass illegal burials in the pilgrimage town, including women and minors.

On July 31, investigators exhumed partial remains about four feet underground near the Nethravati River’s bathing ghat. The site is one of several identified by the 50-year-old whistleblower, who claimed he was forced to bury victims of sexual assault nearly a decade ago.

The skeletal remains and other samples collected from the site are being sent for detailed examination and DNA analysis at a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL). Authorities believe this could be a crucial development in the wider investigation.

The SIT has been carrying out digging operations at 13 locations based on the whistleblower’s claims. Excavations are currently active at sites numbered 6, 7, and 8. Despite rain, the third day of digging continued on July 31, with civic workers, forensic teams, and officials on site.

Alongside skeletal remains, officials earlier recovered a red torn blouse, a skull, a PAN card, and two ATM cards—one with a male name, the other in the name of ‘Lakshmi’. These could help identify victims and confirm the whistleblower’s narrative.

How the case began: The case gained momentum after the Karnataka State Women’s Commission flagged a media report detailing the whistleblower’s claims. The commission urged the Chief Minister to form a high-level SIT. The formal complaint was filed on July 4, and the SIT was formed on July 19.

The whistleblower, who claimed to have buried multiple rape and murder victims under duress, recorded his statement in court on July 11. He described how the victims' bodies bore signs of sexual violence and were disposed of without clothing.

On July 10, the complainant was granted protection under the Witness Protection Scheme, 2018. He remains under security cover and wears a mask and suit to conceal his identity during field visits.

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah assured that the SIT will probe all related criminal cases, including those registered in other police stations. “The SIT will submit a full report. The investigation will be impartial and thorough,” he posted on X.

Home Minister G. Parameshwara confirmed that the SIT was constituted in response to public outcry. He dismissed speculation about political motives and said the probe must not be politicised.

K. Parshwanath Jain, spokesperson for the Dharmasthala temple, stressed that “truth and belief are the strongest foundation of society’s ethics” and called for a transparent investigation.

On July 16, public-interest lawyers met the CM seeking judicial oversight of the SIT and the inclusion of forensic experts. They requested urgent arrests and deeper scrutiny of those involved.

Nine additional police personnel have been deputed to assist the SIT, in addition to the initial 20 officers. The SIT has also opened a helpline for the public to share information.

The SIT has reportedly sought a list of officers who served at the Dharmasthala police station since 1995 and is collecting records of missing women and girls across Karnataka.

The complainant has pointed to another burial site outside the initial 13 locations, believed to hold the largest number of bodies. Excavation of this site is expected in the next phase.

July 4
Complaint formally registered at Dharmasthala Police Station under Section 211(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

July 10
Whistleblower granted protection under the Witness Protection Scheme.

July 11
Complainant records statement in court, alleging burial of rape and murder victims.

July 19
Special Investigation Team (SIT) officially formed.

July 31
Partial skeletal remains found at sixth identified burial site.

The investigation is ongoing, with SIT expected to complete the excavation of all 13 identified burial sites in the coming days. The final report will be submitted to the government through the Director General of Police. Public interest groups continue to push for greater transparency, forensic involvement, and judicial oversight.

With inputs from IANS