No Human Remains Found in Dharmasthala During SIT Digging Operation
In view of the serious nature of the allegations, the Karnataka government constituted the SIT to carry out a thorough probe
Mangaluru: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating explosive allegations of multiple murders and secret burials in Dharmasthala continued its search operation at Banglegudde hillock on Wednesday, but no human remains were recovered from the four sites excavated during the day.
The search was prompted by a complaint filed by a former sanitation worker of Dharmasthala, who had alleged that he was forced to bury victims of murder and sexual assault during his tenure. As part of a spot mahazar conducted on Monday, the whistleblower led the SIT to around 13 suspected burial sites.
Following official approval, excavation work began on Tuesday with the digging of a site near Snana Ghatta (bathing ghat). On Wednesday, the team expanded its search to four more locations at Banglegudde hillock, situated near Snana Ghatta. The operation, which began at around 11:15 a.m., yielded no human remains even after nearly two hours of digging at each site.
SIT Chief Pronab Mohanty and DIG Anucheth reviewed the proceedings at one of the sites. However, Mohanty declined to comment on the ongoing investigation when approached by the media. The day's operations concluded at approximately 5:45 p.m. and are expected to continue on Thursday.
The complainant, who filed his complaint on July 3, had earlier deposed before the Belthangady court on July 11, submitting skeletal remains that he claimed to have exhumed himself. The SIT is reported to have conducted a mahazar at the location from where these remains were allegedly recovered.
In view of the serious nature of the allegations, the Karnataka government constituted the SIT to carry out a thorough probe. Officials have indicated that further spot inspections and possible exhumations will continue in the coming days.