Skeletal remains found at sixth site in Dharmasthala secret burial case

Skeletal remains were unearthed at the sixth site in Dharmasthala by the SIT, marking the first breakthrough in the alleged secret burial case. The discovery supports a former sanitation worker’s claims about mass burials near the Netravati River over a decade ago

Dharmasthala: The sensational Dharmasthala secret burial case took a dramatic turn on Thursday after the Special Investigation Team (SIT) unearthed skeletal remains while excavating the sixth site identified by the complainant. This is the first major breakthrough since digging operations began earlier this week.

The SIT had launched exhumation work on Tuesday following allegations by a former sanitation worker, who claimed that he had been forced to bury multiple victims of rape and murder nearly a decade ago. He had marked 14 locations near the Netravati River’s Snana Ghatta in Belthangady taluk, where he alleged the bodies had been secretly buried under the instructions of powerful individuals.

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Despite intensive digging over the past three days at five different spots, no human remains had been found until now. However, on Thursday, skeletal fragments were finally discovered at the sixth spot, providing the first physical evidence supporting the complainant’s explosive claims.

Nearly 20 labourers have been assisting the SIT in the challenging excavation effort, which is taking place in rugged, forested terrain near the river. Operations have been repeatedly hampered by intermittent rain and difficult soil conditions, yet the team has remained determined to uncover the truth.

According to sources, the skeletal remains found at the sixth site will be sent for forensic analysis. Meanwhile, SIT officials are continuing their investigation and plan to begin work soon at locations 7 through 14. The complainant has reportedly told the SIT that he is “confident” skeletal remains will be found between sites 9 and 13.

Earlier in the week, a chit and a purse were also recovered from the first site. These items are currently under forensic examination to verify any links to the alleged crimes. SIT Chief Pranab Mohanty and DIG M N Anucheth have personally overseen the operation and continue to monitor progress closely.

The case was registered at the Dharmasthala police station on July 4, following the complainant’s formal testimony. Given the gravity of the allegations, the Karnataka government constituted an SIT on July 19 to probe the case in depth.

With Thursday’s discovery, the case has taken a significant leap forward, drawing national attention to what could potentially become one of the state’s most disturbing criminal investigations in recent memory.