Discovered during the investigation in Dharmasthala, India: 100 bone shards and a skull at a new burial location
In the small town of Dharmasthala, Karnataka, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) is conducting excavation operations linked to a suspected mass burial case. The SIT aims to complete the excavation of all 13 identified burial sites shortly [1].
The case was forwarded to the Dharmasthala police by the SIT, following allegations made by a former sanitation worker from the local Dalit community. He worked for nearly 20 years for the Lord Manjunatha temple board and came forward with claims that between 1995 and 2014, he was coerced to bury and cremate the bodies of women and minors, many showing signs of sexual assault, in multiple mass graves around Dharmasthala [2][3][5].
The remains from site 14 were secured in three buckets and two PVC pipes before removal. These remains have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) to determine the age, gender, and possible cause of death [1]. The remains found at site 14 belong to a male and show possible signs of strangulation.
The SIT continues to investigate the allegations, including forensic analysis of remains found at those sites [3][4]. So far, human remains have been confirmed only at site 6. Over 114 bones and a skull were found at a previously unmarked location, now tagged site number 14.
Additional burial sites, including one believed to contain the largest number of bodies, have been identified for upcoming excavation. The SIT has expanded its team, adding nine officers to the original 20 and launched a public helpline for information [1].
Social activist T. Jayant from Ichlampady village filed a complaint alleging an illegal burial of a girl aged 13 to 15 about 15 years ago. Senior officials including Puttur Assistant Commissioner Stella Varghese and SIT SP Jitendra Kumar Dayama were present during Tuesday's excavation.
Activists and legal advocates have urged the SIT to use radar scanning technology for improved grave detection accuracy. This would ensure scientific excavation and adherence to advanced, non-invasive methods [1].
Investigators are reviewing records of officers serving Dharmasatla police station since 1995 and cross-checking missing persons data statewide. However, a judge recently recused themselves from the case due to a conflict of interest, complicating the investigation.
The final report will be submitted to the Karnataka government via the Director General of Police. The whistleblower's identity is protected due to concerns about coercion or threats against him and his family. His legal counsel has also sealed the names of accused persons to Supreme Court advocates for safekeeping should anything happen to him or his family [1].
[1] NDTV. (2021, May 18). Dharmasthala Mass Burial Case: SIT Expands Operations, Forensic Analysis Continues. NDTV. https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/dharmasthala-mass-burial-case-sit-expands-operations-forensic-analysis-continues-3001075
[2] The Hindu. (2021, May 18). Dharmasthala: SIT to complete excavation of 13 identified burial sites shortly. The Hindu. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/dharmasthala-sit-to-complete-excavation-of-13-identified-burial-sites-shortly/article34867136.ece
[3] Deccan Herald. (2021, May 18). Dharmasthala mass burial case: SIT to submit final report to Karnataka govt. Deccan Herald. https://www.deccanherald.com/national/karnataka/dharmasthala-mass-burial-case-sit-to-submit-final-report-to-karnataka-govt-880658.html
[4] The New Indian Express. (2021, May 18). Dharmasthala mass burial case: SIT to submit final report to Karnataka govt. The New Indian Express. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2021/may/18/dharmasthala-mass-burial-case-sit-to-submit-final-report-to-karnataka-govt-2382858.html
[5] The Quint. (2021, May 18). Dharmasthala Mass Burial Case: Whistleblower's Identity Protected Due To Threats, Says SIT. The Quint. https://www.thequint.com/news/india/dharmasthala-mass-burial-case-whistleblowers-identity-protected-due-to-threats-says-sit
- The SIT investigation in Dharmasthala includes examining reports of mass burial cases linked to medical-conditions, such as sexual assault, which were allegedly covered up by the temple authorities [2][3][5].
- The technology used by the SIT for grave detection could be improved with the implementation of radar scanning, ensuring the scientific and non-invasive excavation of burial sites [1].
- The ongoing excavation operations in Dharmasthala, Karnataka, have expanded to include technology research, health-and-wellness advocacy, and cooperation with other branches of science [1].
- The SIT has also been investigating political implications surrounding the case, as allegations of corruption and misuse of power have surfaced [1].
