Teeth samples of Annigeri skulls sent to US for analysis

Beta Analytic, which tested the bones, will conduct the study

The department has again roped in Beta Analytic Company and sent the teeth samples two days ago. The same firm had conducted the tests on the bones and concluded that the skulls were 181 years old. But it was not accepted by some of the experts.

Department sources told Deccan Herald that three pieces of the lower jaw part that were discovered at the site had been sent to Beta Analytic. The department had approached two firms - Beta Analytic and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), Ahmedabad - for the purpose. But there was no consent received from FSL yet. Hence, it was decided to approach Beta Analytic.

Beta Analytic has the state-of-the-art technology and fresh reports are expected in a fortnight. Sources said the results of the teeth sample tests may be more accurate. Unlike bone samples, there were no chances of water contamination in case of tooth samples. The fresh report may be of more help to determine the age of the skulls.

The sources said Beta Analytic had conducted the collagen testing of the bone samples last time and similar test would be conducted on the tooth samples. Already, experts have given an archaeological explanation on the discovery of skulls and it had found supportive documents in the Bombay Gazetteer.

Dentistry research

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Darpan Jain said the district administration and the State Archaeology Department had approached Prof Ashit Acharya of SDM Dental Sciences, who is also a certified forensic expert in dentistry, to throw light on the mystery behind the skulls and trace their age.

The professor conducted microscopic study of the teeth and bones of 31 skull specimens at the site and gave a report that it was a heterogeneous mix of males and minor children.

Of the 31 skulls, 20 were found to be in the age group of 40 to 55 years and two were found to be of children in the six-eight age group.

However, Acharya could not ascertain the age of the remaining nine skulls due to technical reasons and as the required technology is not available.

However, Acharya mentioned in his report that anti-mortem injuries were found on the skulls due to blunt force and by sharp materials.

Jain said the mystery of the skulls could be revealed only after Beta Analytic conducts fresh research on the tooth samples and finalises the
report.