Mangaluru : In a dramatic turn in the ongoing mass burial investigation in Karnataka, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) continued excavation efforts for the seventh consecutive day at the Dharmasthala pilgrimage centre, unearthing chilling new evidence. The operation, centered around burial site number 11, took an unexpected twist on Monday with the discovery of skeletal remains at an unmarked location now designated as burial site number 14.
According to sources close to the investigation, approximately 114 bones were recovered from this surprise site, including a skull and evidence suggesting strangulation. Forensic teams also found a red saree at the location, which appears to have been used to strangle the victim, raising suspicions of foul play.
The skeletal remains, initially believed to belong to a male, were found just 2-3 feet below the surface. The bones have since been sent to KMC Hospital in Udupi for detailed forensic examination to determine the cause and time of death, as well as the identity of the deceased.
Whistleblower’s Lead Yields Breakthrough
Sources confirmed that shortly after digging began at the officially marked burial site number 11, a whistleblower guided SIT officials to a nearby area that had not been surveyed previously. Excavation at this new location led to the recovery of multiple bones and a skull, prompting authorities to designate it as burial site 14.
Meanwhile, no human remains have yet been found at burial site number 11 despite excavation reaching a depth of five feet.
Allegations of Illegal Burial by Police
Adding another layer to the investigation, T. Jayanth, a social activist from Ichilampadi village in Mangaluru district, filed a complaint with the SIT on Monday. He alleged that a police officer was involved in the illegal burial of a minor girl, bypassing proper legal procedures. The SIT has yet to issue a public statement regarding these new claims.
Earlier Discoveries and Inconsistencies
Earlier in the probe, SIT Chief Mohanty had stated that no significant materials were found at previously excavated sites. However, contradicting this, reports later emerged suggesting that a red torn blouse and a PAN card belonging to a woman named Lakshmi were recovered from the initial burial location.
The whistleblower has also reportedly handed over a human skull — allegedly recovered from one of the burial pits — to SIT officials, further complicating the investigation.
SIT Tight-Lipped Amid Mounting Questions
As public scrutiny intensifies, the SIT has refrained from releasing a formal statement on the latest discoveries. The unearthing of a large number of bones from an unmarked site and signs of strangulation have raised serious questions about the scope and nature of the mass burial case.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the recovered remains are linked to previously reported missing persons cases or any ongoing criminal investigations.
The SIT continues its excavation and forensic work, with more burial sites expected to be surveyed in the coming days. The case, initially shrouded in mystery, is rapidly evolving into a potential major criminal probe.
