Dharmasthala mass burial case: First images of complainant revealed after arrest

NEW DELHI: The first photo has been released of the complainant who alleged he had been coerced into burying multiple murder victims over several years.The complainant, a former sanitation worker whose identity remains undisclosed, was arrested by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) after inconsistencies were found in his statements and documents during questioning.He had earlier claimed to have worked in Dharmasthala between 1995 and 2014, alleging that he was forced to bury numerous bodies, including those of women and minors, some showing signs of sexual assault. His statement was recorded before a magistrate.The SIT, led by Pranab Mohanty, has been carrying out excavations at sites identified by the complainant along the Netravathi river. Skeletal remains have been recovered from two locations so far.After several hours of questioning on Friday, the complainant was taken for a medical examination before being taken into custody.Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara told the Assembly that a final report from the SIT was awaited. “Till now only excavations have happened. The probe hasn’t even started. Only the SIT, not the government, will decide if further digging is required,” he said.Parameshwara added that legal action could be taken against the complainant if the allegations are proven false.The SIT investigation continues, with teams focusing on verifying the allegations and examining the evidence found at excavation sites.