SIT halts Dharmasthala exhumation pending forensic DNA analysis: Home Minister

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) has decided to temporarily suspend the exhumation and excavation at Dharmasthala until forensic reports are received, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara informed the Assembly.

Speaking in the Assembly, Parameshwara said that chemical analysis at the site and forensic reports to detect any possible DNA traces from the locations are awaited. “The SIT has decided to stop this till reports come,” he said, emphasising that the suspension is temporary.

He added that if chemical analysis indicates traces of human DNA, the investigation would follow a different course. “The SIT has been allowed to decide. It is not the Government’s call,” Parameshwara clarified.

He also spoke on the alleged forced burials and threats against a complainant. “A person went to the Dharmasthala police station and filed a complaint, stating that he had received life threats and was forced to bury the bodies. He said he filed the complaint out of guilt,” Parmeshwar said. He added, “Many people, including men and women who were sexually assaulted, were buried.”

The Minister further stated that following these allegations, the Women's Commission chairman wrote a letter urging an investigation. “Thereafter I spoke to the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and we both discussed and formed the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate further,” he said.

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