Another dig, another dud: No human remains in Dharmasthala mass burial second site

The second site identified in the alleged mass burial case in Dharmasthala, Karnataka, has yielded no evidence of human remains, police sources confirmed. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case has now begun digging at a third location.

The exhumation at the first site, located along the Nethravathi River, was carried out on Tuesday in the presence of the whistleblower. Despite efforts by police officials, forensic experts, and revenue department staff—who used a JCB machine to dig deeper after encountering water seepage—no remains were found. The second site too drew a blank, prompting the team to shift to a third location.

This comes after the whistleblower in the case identified 15 suspected locations linked to mass burials and cremations.

According to sources, eight of the sites are along the banks of the Nethravathi River, while locations 9 to 12 are beside the highway near the river. The 13th site is on the road connecting Nethravathi to Aajukuri, and the remaining two are in the Kanyadi area near the highway.

Meanwhile, Pranob Mohanty, who has been heading the SIT, has been empanelled for DGP-level posts in the central government. It is learnt that this is a routine annual process and not a deputation. It makes him eligible for senior roles at the Centre should he choose to move.

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