Evidence Emerges, SIT Unearths Skeletal Fragments in Dharmasthala Forest

Skeletal Remains Unearthed at Sixth Site in Dharmasthala Mass Burial Probe

Udupi, Karnataka – August 1, 2025
In a significant development in the Dharmasthala mass burial investigation, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) uncovered partial human skeletal remains at the sixth of thirteen sites flagged by a former sanitation worker. This discovery comes after two days of fruitless excavations at the first five locations.

Background of the Case

• Complaint Origin: A 50-year-old ex-sanitation worker lodged a formal grievance claiming that more than 100 bodies were clandestinely interred in and around Dharmasthala between 1995 and 2014.
• Identification of Sites: On July 28, SIT officials accompanied the complainant to the Dharmasthala bathing ghat, recording thirteen coordinates which he identified as potential graves.
• Initial Diggings: From July 29–30, forensic teams excavated five shallow pits but did not retrieve any human remains.

Discovery at the Sixth Excavation Site

• Location: Dense forest tract near the banks of the Netravati River, approximately 500 metres from the bathing ghat.
• Findings:
• Bones Recovered: Fifteen bone fragments, none of which included a skull.
• Condition: Several fragments exhibited signs of breakage, suggesting possible post-burial disturbances or natural processes.
• On-site Procedure: Forensic experts and scene-of-crime officers meticulously documented each fragment’s position and orientation before collection. Assistant Commissioner Stella Verghese of Puttur subdivision supervised operations.

Ancillary Evidence from Earlier Sites

• First Site (July 29):
• A woman’s debit card and a man’s PAN card surfaced during earth removal.
• The PAN card was traced to “Suresh,” a resident of Nelamangala taluk in Bengaluru Rural district, who succumbed to jaundice in March 2025. His family confirmed the card’s authenticity.
• Investigators surmise the card was inadvertently dropped during a pre-death visit to Dharmasthala.
• Verification: The debit card belonged to Suresh’s mother, who remains in good health.

Implications and Next Steps

1. Forensic Analysis:

• The bone fragments will undergo carbon dating and DNA profiling to estimate age, gender and possible identity.
• Trauma analysis will assess whether the bones bear any markings indicative of foul play.

1. Extension of Excavations:

• Teams will proceed to the remaining seven sites, refining search techniques based on lessons learned from the sixth site.

1. Legal Proceedings:

• If further remains are uncovered, the SIT will file updated First Information Reports (FIRs) to include charges related to illegal burials and potential tampering with evidence.

1. Community Outreach:

• Local residents and pilgrims at Dharmasthala are urged to share any historical knowledge or leads about unregistered burials between 1995 and 2014.

Why This Matters
The Dharmasthala temple town draws thousands of devotees daily. Allegations of mass, unrecorded burials challenge not only administrative oversight but also raise ethical concerns about the treatment of the deceased and the transparency of local authorities. As the investigation deepens, authorities face the dual task of uncovering morbid truths and restoring public confidence.