In a chilling development in the ongoing Dharmasthala mass burials case, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) uncovered parts of a human skeleton and remnants of a saree at a second location on Monday, August 4.
These findings were made near Spot 11, close to the Nethravathi River, and mark a crucial turning point in what is emerging as one of Karnataka’s most disturbing criminal investigations in recent memory.
According to sources who spoke to The News Minute (TNM), the latest discovery was made after a whistleblower—whose explosive testimony triggered the probe—requested the SIT to alter their excavation plans.
The team had originally intended to dig at Spot 11 on Monday, but shifted temporarily to another area nearby based on the whistleblower’s guidance. Excavation at Spot 11, however, also continued simultaneously.
This marks the second confirmed instance of human remains being recovered during the SIT’s ongoing excavation, which has now covered 11 sites.
The first instance occurred at Spot 6 on the third day of digging. So far, the SIT has excavated ten marked burial locations along the banks of the Nethravathi River and surrounding areas.
The Origins of the Case: A Gruesome Allegation from Within
The case first came to light in late June 2025, when a group of human rights advocates and lawyers held a press conference presenting the claims of a former sanitation worker who had been employed in and around the Dharmasthala Temple—a revered religious site in the Dakshina Kannada district.
The whistleblower alleged that, for years, he had been coerced by superiors to secretly bury bodies, including those of women and minor girls, many of whom he believed had been sexually assaulted or murdered.
According to his detailed account, the burials were conducted under the cover of darkness, often near the snanaghatta (ritual bathing ghat) of the temple, and close to the Nethravathi River.
The accused, he claimed, included individuals in positions of authority within the temple ecosystem. His testimony painted a haunting picture of a decades-long pattern of systemic abuse and cover-up in a space associated with spiritual purity.
Following the press conference, the whistleblower filed an official complaint on July 3, and a First Information Report (FIR) was registered by authorities on July 4. The SIT was formed shortly thereafter and began physical investigations and excavations at the alleged burial sites on July 11.
The Role of the Whistleblower
What makes this case particularly unusual—and potent—is the direct and ongoing involvement of the whistleblower, who has been personally guiding the SIT to the alleged burial sites.
On July 28, he returned to the field alongside officials from the revenue, forest, and police departments, leading them to more burial locations and sharing intricate details of how the burials had been conducted, including estimated body counts, topography, and depth.
Authorities have taken steps to protect the identity and safety of the whistleblower, amid concerns of backlash or retaliation. His allegations implicate individuals closely tied to the temple administration, a deeply powerful institution in the region.
The Dharmasthala Temple: Reverence and Power
The Sri Manjunatha Temple in Dharmasthala is one of Karnataka’s most iconic religious landmarks, attracting millions of devotees each year. It is known not just for its spiritual significance, but also for its role in philanthropy, education, and legal arbitration under the stewardship of the Heggade family, who have administered the temple for centuries.
Due to the temple’s social and political clout, the allegations of mass burials—if proven true—would represent a devastating blow to its credibility and raise urgent questions about oversight and accountability in religious institutions.
Status of the Investigation
As of now, the SIT has identified and begun excavation at 11 sites, most of them situated along the banks of the Nethravathi River, a region that has historically remained lightly monitored and susceptible to environmental shifts that could easily obscure graves.
- Spot 6: The first location where human skeletal remains were found, accompanied by evidence suggesting female clothing.
- Spot 11 (August 4): The second site where remains have now been discovered—skeletal fragments and a saree, suggesting the body of a woman or girl.
Forensic teams are now working to analyze the remains, identify the victims through DNA testing, and determine the cause of death. While forensic anthropology and carbon dating may help determine the age of the remains, the investigation faces major challenges:
- Potential decomposition due to time and environment
- Displacement of remains due to river activity and monsoons
- Difficulty matching remains with missing persons’ records
Authorities have confirmed that excavation will continue over the coming days and possibly expand, based on further intelligence provided by the whistleblower and results from forensic analysis.
Legal and Political Implications
The case has already drawn national attention, with civil rights groups, political activists, and legal observers closely watching developments. Several organizations have called for independent monitoring of the SIT and expressed concern that local power dynamics might influence the probe’s integrity.
The case could also ignite a larger debate about the protection of whistleblowers, especially in cases involving religious or institutional power structures. The Whistle Blowers Protection Act, 2014, though passed by the Indian Parliament, has yet to be fully operationalized, and this case may serve as a litmus test for its future application.
Next Steps
The SIT, backed by multiple government departments and forensic experts, is expected to:
- Continue excavations at all marked sites
- Submit forensic samples to labs for DNA testing and age estimation
- Record statements from potential witnesses or former staff
- Investigate the alleged perpetrators named in the whistleblower’s complaint
The identification of remains will be crucial in corroborating the whistleblower’s claims and determining whether criminal charges, including murder, sexual assault, and destruction of evidence, can be pursued.
The unfolding Dharmasthala mass burials case is a grim reminder that abuses of power can remain hidden for decades, particularly within cloistered systems shielded by tradition, reverence, and institutional influence. As the SIT digs deeper—literally and figuratively—the search for truth continues in the hopes of justice for those whose stories were buried long ago.
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