Dharmasthala Skeleton Found: Multiple Human Bones Found By SIT on Hillock Near Spot 11

In a major breakthrough in the Dharmasthala mass burial investigation report, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Monday reported the recovery of multiple human skeletal remains, including skulls, from an unexpected dig site. The operation, documented in the ongoing SIT report, was led by Director General of Police (DGP) Pronab Mohanty and carried out at a hillock roughly 100 feet above ground level which is near to spot 11, close to the Nethravathi river.

The whistleblower had urged the SIT to change the location of the scheduled excavation. While the team initially intended to dig at the 11th identified site on Monday, they shifted their primary focus in response to the complainant's appeal. However, excavation efforts at site 11 continued simultaneously.

A senior SIT official confirmed in a report to blrpost.com, "We have recovered several human skeletons. This is a major breakthrough in the investigation report." This unexpected discovery has reportedly renewed the confidence of witness Bheema, whose earlier attempts in designated search zones 7, 8, 9, and 10 had not produced any skeletal evidence.

The SIT's latest report notes that the elevated dig site presented physical challenges, with several personnel sustaining minor injuries. However, the excavation is still ongoing, and further skeletal remains are expected to be unearthed.

It must be noted that human remains were previously discovered only once-on the third day of the operation at the sixth excavation site.

As per the official SIT report, all recovered skeletons will be sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for scientific analysis, including determining age, sex, and potential cause of death. The SIT is also in possession of Unnatural Death Report (UDR) data from 1995 to 2012. Though the Belthangady police had deleted the original files, DGP Mohanty's swift action in backing up the data early in the investigation ensured its availability for this critical forensic report.

In a unique step, the SIT has also invited local residents who filed formal complaints to participate in the excavation, as noted in the official report. Their goal is to identify and document as many remains as possible, making this the first-of-its-kind forensic excavation report in Karnataka.

The Karnataka government constituted the SIT on July 19, following a complaint from a former sanitation worker on July 3. The Dharmasthala police registered the FIR on July 4, and in response to widespread public concern, the government ordered the formation of the special team. The incident continues to dominate news cycles, with ongoing SIT reports shedding light on the scale of this unsettling case.

As Karnataka watches closely, the SIT's forensic investigation report aims to uncover long-buried truths and deliver long-overdue justice.