Exhumation of suspected buried bodies begins under tight security near Dharmasthala

The SIT began exhuming suspected human remains near Dharmasthala in Karnataka under tight security. The operation, triggered by a key witness’s complaint, has drawn attention due to its sensitive nature. Forensic experts and armed police are overseeing the process

Mangaluru: In a significant development in the ongoing investigation into alleged past criminal activities under the Dharmasthala police station limits, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Tuesday began exhuming suspected human remains buried near the Netravati riverbank. The operation is being carried out under heavy police security amidst intermittent rainfall.

The exhumation site is located in a wooded area near the Dharmasthala bathing ghat, where it is alleged that multiple bodies were buried. Around seven to eight labourers have been deployed to dig the site, braving adverse weather conditions.

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The complainant in case number 39/2025, who is also a key witness, was present at the scene with his identity masked. On Monday, he had identified 13 specific locations near the Netravati river, which he claimed contained buried bodies. These spots were geo-tagged by the SIT, marked with red ribbons, and assigned numerical identifiers for systematic excavation.

Officials overseeing the operation include Puttur Sub-Divisional Officer Stella Varghese, Belthangady Tahsildar Prithvi Saanikam, SIT officer and Internal Security Division SP Jitendra Kumar Dayama, and forensic experts. A team of lawyers representing the complainant also accompanied him to the site. Forensic science personnel have begun inspection and documentation of the identified spots.

Before the digging began, a crucial meeting was held at the SIT office in Belthangady, led by DIG M N Anucheth, to discuss the strategy and safety protocols for the operation.

The entire excavation is being recorded on video by SIT staff for evidence and procedural documentation. Armed police personnel, including trained members of the Garuda Force and Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP), have been deployed in the area to maintain order and security.

The investigation has triggered widespread public and media interest due to the sensitive nature of the allegations and the involvement of high-level security forces. The SIT is expected to continue the exhumation process over the coming days as more locations are probed for possible evidence.