The SIT team near the Netravathi River.
Credit: DH Photo
Mangaluru: The exhumation process in connection with the Dharmasthala mass burial case has been hampered by water seepage.
The first location identified by the complainant-witness is situated just 10 metres from the Netravathi River.
As digging began, water started seeping into the pit, complicating the effort. Consequently, SIT officials have decided to deploy an earth mover to continue the exhuming process.
The exhumation began around 12 noon at the first site. Although labourers dug up to a depth of three feet, no trace of any buried body was found. Persistent water seepage further hindered the operation, prompting officials to proceed with the help of machinery.
“We will continue the excavation until both the witness and our team are convinced that nothing can be recovered here. So far, exhumation has taken place at only one location. We will move to other sites only after completing the work at this spot,” an officer stated.
SIT DIG MN Anucheth and Puttur AC Stella Varghese are at the site, supervising the operation.