Dharmasthala case: No remains found at 7th and 8th site

Mangaluru: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) found no human remains during the digging carried out at seventh and eighth sites identified by the complainant witness in the forest area near the Nethravathi River, on Friday.

The SIT team reached the seventh site around 11:30 am and began the exhumation process. Despite digging nearly six feet deep using machinery, no traces of human remains were found, and the operation was halted.

In the afternoon, following a lunch break, the team proceeded to dig at the eighth site. There too, no remains were discovered, according to SIT sources.

Though intensity of rain had receded, the seventh and eighth sites shown by the complainant witness were just about 10 metres from the Nethravathi River. The spots that were dug had water seepage. The accumulated water in the pits had to be drained out before the work could continue. As a result, digging could be carried out at only two locations throughout the day, said sources.

A total of 20 workers were involved in Friday’s exhumation.

Puttur Assistant Commissioner Stella Varghese, SIT SP Jitendra Kumar Dayama, and the complainant witness were present at the site. SIT DIG MN Anucheth held discussions with officials regarding the next steps in the investigation. In all, around 60 people, including 20 labourers, were part of Friday’s operation.

Of the 13 sites identified by the complainant near the Nethravathi River in Dharmasthala, skeletal remains were found only at the sixth site on Thursday (July 31). Five more sites are yet to be excavated. According to SIT sources, digging at the ninth site will resume on Saturday.

“The skeletal remains recovered from the sixth site on Thursday will be sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL). Once the FSL report is received, DNA test will be carried out based on the complaints received,” SIT sources said.

Calls with suggestions to 'Helpline'

The helpline launched by the SIT in Mangaluru has been receiving calls from within the state and from outside Karnataka. Most callers are seeking updates on the progress of the investigation, while a few are offering suggestions. No specific complaints have been received so far. If any complaint is filed, it will be accepted and forwarded to the concerned police station,” said sources. SIT Helpline: 0824–2005301

Mobile/WhatsApp: [phone] or email: Email: [e-mail]

SIT gathering info on unidentified bodies

In connection with the mass burial case, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) is gathering information on the number of unidentified bodies found in the Dharmasthala Gram Panchayat limits over the past three decades.

According to sources, the Dharmasthala Gram Panchayat handed over relevant records to the SIT on Friday.

Meanwhile, the SIT is also collecting details of unnatural deaths reported over the past three decades at the Belthangady police station, as the area under the Dharmasthala police station was earlier within the jurisdiction of the Belthangady station, sources said.