Human Remains Unearthed in Dharmasthala Burial Probe
SIT Confirms Discovery on Third Day of Excavation
Human remains have been discovered at Dharmasthala, marking a significant development in the investigation into alleged mass burials. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) made the find on Thursday, July 31, at a site near the Nethravathi river.
Breakthrough at Excavation Site
The discovery occurred on the third day of systematic digging by the SIT at one of thirteen locations identified by a former sanitation worker. This whistleblower claims to have buried numerous bodies between 1995 and 2014. The exact nature and extent of the skeletal remains are currently undetermined.
This finding represents the first major breakthrough since the former sanitation worker made startling allegations concerning the burial of many bodies in the Dakshina Kannada district.
Excavation work has been hampered by persistent rainfall in the region, contributing to a slow pace of operations. The SIT is expected to continue its efforts at other identified locations in the coming days.
Whistleblower’s Allegations
The whistleblower, who formerly worked at the Dharmasthala temple, alleges that over two decades, he was repeatedly instructed by superiors to bury several bodies. He claims many of these victims were women and girls who showed signs of sexual assault.
On July 28, the individual guided the SIT to the suspected burial sites, which are situated near the bathing ghat of the Nethravathi river. Representatives from revenue, forest, and other departments accompanied the SIT as the whistleblower detailed the circumstances surrounding the alleged burials.
Allegations of mass burials in Dharmasthala first surfaced in late June when advocates for the anonymous man held a press conference. The complainant officially filed a report with the Dharmasthala police station on July 3, leading to an FIR the following day. His statement was recorded by the Belthangady court on July 11, after which he agreed to cooperate with investigators.
Investigation Continues
The SIT’s immediate tasks include confirming the identities of the recovered remains and determining if more bodies are interred at the other marked sites. For context, an investigation into historical burial practices in South Korea uncovered evidence of over 1,200 alleged victims of forced labor during the Japanese colonial era, highlighting the potential for uncovering buried historical truths (BBC News, 2021).