Dharmasthala Investigation Uncovers Skeletal Remains and Personal Items

DHARMASTHALA: On the third day of exhumation efforts, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing alleged mass burials near Dharmasthala, Karnataka, unearthed partial skeletal remains believed to belong to a man. The discovery was made at the sixth of 13 suspected burial sites identified by a whistleblower, located in a forested area near the Netravathi River. The remains, found at a depth of approximately four feet, included 15 bones, some of which were fractured, but no skull was recovered. A forensic doctor at the scene provided a preliminary assessment indicating the bones likely belonged to a male, though a comprehensive forensic analysis is pending to confirm this finding.

The SIT also recovered a PAN card and a debit card during the exhumation of the first site two days prior. These items were traced to Suresh from Nelamangala, Bengaluru Rural district, who passed away from jaundice in March 2025 and was cremated in his village. Authorities noted that Suresh, described as an alcoholic, may have lost the cards during a previous visit to Dharmasthala. The debit card’s ownership remains under investigation as the bank has yet to provide details about the account holder.

The operation, which began on Tuesday, saw no human remains uncovered at the first five sites despite extensive digging. The complainant, a former sanitation worker, alleges he was forced to bury over 100 bodies primarily women and minors in Dharmasthala between 1995 and 2014. The SIT’s efforts intensified on Thursday with the addition of nine senior officers to the team. The exhumation at the sixth site utilized equipment such as a mini-earthmover, water pumps, and rain covers, with a dog squad deployed to assist. The recovered skeletal remains were secured under tight security, and the area was cordoned off for further investigation.

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Puttur subdivision assistant commissioner Stella Verghese oversaw the exhumation process, which was conducted with forensic doctors and scene-of-crime officers documenting the findings. The ongoing probe continues to explore the complainant’s claims, with the skeletal remains sent for detailed forensic examination to uncover further details about the case.