MANGALURU (Karnataka)– Excavation at the alleged mass grave sites near the Dharmasthala pilgrimage center entered its third day Thursday, with the Special Investigation Team (SIT) continuing to dig despite persistent rainfall.
Of the 13 marked burial sites, digging is currently underway at sites 6, 7, and 8. Civic workers are conducting the manual excavation, closely monitored by tehsildars, forensic experts, and the complainant.
SIT Chief Pronab Mohanty confirmed that no remains have been officially recovered yet. However, reports indicate that investigators found a torn red blouse and a PAN card bearing the name “Lakshmi” at the first burial site. The complainant has also allegedly submitted a human skull, claiming it was unearthed from the location.
The SIT has requested records of all police officers who served at Dharmasthala Police Station since 1995 and is compiling statewide data on missing women and girls.
In Bengaluru, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah addressed speculation over SIT chief Pronab Mohanty’s potential central deputation. “If he is deputed, a replacement will be appointed,” the CM said. The Congress-led government is reportedly handling the matter with extreme caution due to its sensitivity.
Sources say the state government has chosen not to request an interim report from the SIT. Instead, the team has been instructed to provide oral briefings directly to Home Minister G. Parameshwara. The leadership has also briefed the Congress high command on the case’s developments.
The SIT has established a dedicated office and helpline for the public to share information. Contact can be made via phone, WhatsApp, or email between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Excavation of all 13 burial sites is expected to be completed within the next two days. Three separate teams, each overseen by a tehsildar, have been formed to supervise the digging. All sites are located in a reserved forest area near the Nethravathi River, requiring the use of manual labor due to the terrain.
The complainant, who alleges that hundreds of women and girls were raped, murdered, and buried at the site, is accompanying the SIT. For security reasons, he is being transported wearing a suit and mask to conceal his identity, citing threats to his life and family. (Source: IANS)
