Dharmasthala Mass Grave Case: Skeleton Found In 6th Burial Site

Last Updated:July 31, 2025, 14:40 IST

Skeletal remains were found at the sixth excavation site in the Dharmasthala mass burial probe, marking the first major evidence since the SIT began its search

The SIT began the exhumation process on Tuesday, acting on a shocking affidavit submitted before a magistrate by the whistleblower. (PTI Photo)

In a chilling development that could reshape the contours of the Dharmasthala mass burial probe, skeletal remains were unearthed on Wednesday from the sixth excavation site, marking the first major physical evidence since the Special Investigation Team (SIT) launched its search. The operation was triggered by explosive allegations made by an anonymous former sanitation worker who claimed to have buried hundreds of rape and murder victims in a forest stretch near Netravati Ghat between 1998 and 2014.

This exclusive finding, reported by News18 Kannada, came after a series of dead ends. Despite the excavation of five earlier pits, no human remains had been found. But on the second day of digging, the search at Spot No. 6 yielded skeletal fragments that SIT sources now confirm to be of apparent human origin. Preliminary observations suggest the bones may belong to a man.

The remains were recovered following a 90-minute excavation using a Hitachi machine. The soil was forensically examined as workers dug nearly four feet down in hopes of uncovering further evidence. Additional bones may be sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) later today for DNA testing and further analysis.

“The skeletal remains have been found. Some bones have been recovered at the 6th point," confirmed Anamika, one of the officers on site. For now, a full forensic assessment will be needed to establish the identity, gender, and possible cause of death. Investigators have not ruled out the possibility of discovering more remains in the same area.

The SIT began the exhumation process on Tuesday, acting on a shocking affidavit submitted before a magistrate by the whistleblower. The man, who worked as a sanitation employee in Dharmasthala from 1995 to 2014, claimed he was forced to bury the corpses of women and minors – many of whom, he said, bore signs of sexual assault. The scale and brutality of the allegation triggered statewide uproar, forcing the government to constitute an SIT under the leadership of DGP (Internal Security) Dr Pranav Mohanty.

But even as the investigation gains momentum, uncertainty looms over its leadership. Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara told reporters on Wednesday that the state government will evaluate whether Mohanty should continue as SIT chief, given his recent empanelment for a Director General, rank position with the Centre.

“We will discuss if he can continue to head the Special Investigation Team being there or should he be replaced," Parameshwara said, adding, “If law and rule permit that he can continue to head the SIT being there, we will continue him. If he needs to be replaced, the government will appoint an official of the same ranking."

However, Parameshwara declined to comment on the progress of the investigation itself, saying, “After the probe is completed and we get the report, we can speak then. Until then I will not speak."

The SIT, which includes senior officers such as DIG M N Anucheth, Soumyalatha S K, and Jitendra Kumar Dayama, has also deployed 20 personnel from Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, and Uttara Kannada to assist in the investigation. With the first skeletal remains now found, the direction of the probe may finally be shifting from speculative to evidentiary.

Location :

Karnataka, India, India

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