SIT Finds More Skeletal Remains At Dharmasthala

The SIT, which started digging operations last week, had completed excavation at 10 out of 13 identified sites. During Monday's visit, the SIT, accompanied by the whistleblower, now identified as ‘V’, diverted from the planned site and climbed the hillock, where the remains — including a skull and bones — were found under a tree.

Preliminary observations suggest the remains may be that of a male. A piece of sari, reportedly with a tied knot, was also found at the spot.

There was conflicting information about the circumstances in which the remains were found. While some said the body was exhumed, others claimed it was lying exposed beneath the tree. It is also not clear if the whistleblower mentioned the site on Monday or if it was a random check in the nearby place. The SIT has not issued a statement.

The team continued operations at the site until around 6.30 pm, working without a lunch break. In the evening, the skeletal remains were collected in bags and boxes and transported in a police vehicle for forensic analysis.

A detailed forensic examination is expected to determine whether the remains belong to a single individual or multiple persons, whether the death occurred recently or corresponds to the timeline mentioned by the whistleblower, and potentially, the cause of death.

The SIT began digging last Tuesday and has covered 10 points out of the 13 marked by the whistleblower. Except point number 6, no human remains were found in any other spots. The digging is likely to continue on Tuesday.