Dharmasthala Mass Grave Probe: SIT Completes Exhumation at Second Site in Karnataka Forest

The Special Investigation Team (SIT), probing the Dharmasthala mass burial case in Karnataka's Mangaluru, completed the exhumation at the burial site number 2 on Wednesday.
Exhumation work is ongoing at the third and fourth burial sites, which are located deep within the forest and in close proximity to each other.

The whistleblower had initially identified 13 burial sites. Authorities completed the exhumation of the first site on Tuesday. The digging process has proven to be challenging due to water seeping into the sites. Despite heavy rain, the workers are continuing the work without breaks. Rest and meals are being taken in rotation, sources said.

The teams have reached the forest sites using narrow paths, carrying necessary equipment. A team comprising tehsildars, doctors, forensic science laboratory (FSL) experts, and SIT sleuths is present on-site to carefully monitor the excavation.

Around 20 civic workers are involved in the digging operations, and along with the SIT personnel, a 30-member team is at work. All 13 identified burial sites are being guarded by armed police personnel around the clock.

The SIT has not yet issued any official statement regarding the progress of the investigation.

Commenting on SIT Chief Pronab Mohanty being shortlisted for central deputation, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara said, "If DGP Pronab Mohanty is shortlisted for central deputation, we will assess whether he can continue serving as the SIT Chief. If the rules permit, he will continue. Otherwise, an officer of equivalent rank will be appointed."

Considering the sensitivity of the matter, the authorities have decided to expedite the process and have formed three teams to oversee the excavation.

The excavation will be carried out in the presence of three tehsildars. Since all three burial sites, among the 13 identified, are located within a reserve forest near the Nethravathi River, the SIT team is compelled to rely on manual labour for the excavation.

The complainant, who claims to have buried hundreds of bodies of women and young girls who were allegedly raped and killed, is also accompanying the SIT team.


He is being taken to the site wearing a suit and a mask to conceal his identity, as he perceives threats to his life and family.

On Tuesday, the SIT sleuths excavated the first burial location near the Nethravathi bathing point. Authorities dug the site to a depth of 8 feet and a width of 15 feet. However, the sources confirmed that no skeletons or skulls were found at the site. The site was subsequently refilled.

The complainant claims he had dug trenches about 3 to 3.5 feet deep to bury the bodies. The SIT has requested the Forest Department to permit the use of a small JCB machine for further excavation.


Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara has reiterated that the case has been taken seriously and an impartial investigation will be conducted.

In a major development, on July 11, the unidentified complainant in the case, who had claimed that he was forced to bury several bodies of women who were raped and murdered in Dharmasthala village, appeared before a court in Karnataka's Mangaluru district and recorded his statement.

The man gave his statement under Section 183 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) before the Principal Civil Judge and First Class Judicial Magistrate.


According to the complainant's statement, he fled a Hindu pilgrimage centre 11 years ago.

He further alleged that the bodies of the women showed clear signs of sexual assault.

They were found without clothes or undergarments and bore injuries suggesting violent acts. The revelations have shocked the state. --IANS