In a grim revelation that could validate long-suppressed suspicions, human skeletal remains—believed to be that of a man—were unearthed on Thursday near the Nethravathi River, at a location designated Spot 6, in Dharmasthala, Karnataka.
This discovery marks a significant development on the third day of excavation operations conducted by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing explosive allegations of mass burials in the temple town.
The SIT’s excavation work commenced on July 29, following testimony from a former sanitation worker, whose claims have shaken the foundations of one of Karnataka’s most revered religious sites.
His shocking allegations include repeated secret burials of bodies—many reportedly showing signs of sexual violence, including those of women and minors—that he said occurred between 1995 and 2014, under the direction of senior authorities.
Discovery of Remains Sparks Critical Turn in Investigation
According to sources within the investigation, while the exact parts of the skeleton retrieved remain unspecified, forensic teams have tentatively identified the decomposed remains as male.
The condition of the bones, severely decayed and fragmented, points to long-term exposure to natural elements, reinforcing the timeline suggested by the whistleblower.
This marks the first confirmed recovery of human remains during the ongoing search, which has included multiple excavation sites near the bathing ghat (snana ghatta) and along the riverbanks. On Wednesday, SIT teams excavated five other locations, but those yielded no recoverable evidence.
The skeletal remains from Spot 6—one of 13 locations earmarked by the whistleblower—are now undergoing forensic analysis to determine the age, identity, and possible cause of death of the individual.
Whistleblower Testimony: A Pandora’s Box
The whistleblower, a former employee tasked with sanitation work in the Dharmasthala temple complex, has alleged that he was routinely ordered to bury bodies in secrecy, often at night and under heavy surveillance. According to his statement, Spot 6 was one such burial site where at least two bodies were interred.
This whistleblower initially approached lawyers earlier this year, and the allegations became public after a press conference held in late June.
Following that, he filed a formal complaint via legal counsel at the Dharmasthala police station on July 3, with an FIR registered the following day.
On July 11, his statement was officially recorded before the Belthangady court under Section 183 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), giving legal weight to his claims.
He later accompanied SIT officials to various sites along the Nethravathi river, pointing out burial locations near secluded and religiously significant areas. Authorities from the revenue, forest, and local administrative departments were also involved in site verification visits.
Political and Administrative Developments
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, when asked about potential changes to the SIT’s leadership, stated cautiously, “Let’s see. If he (Pronab Mohanty) goes to the central government, he will be replaced.”
The current SIT head, IPS officer Pronab Mohanty, has been listed for central government empanelment, raising questions about continuity in this sensitive investigation.
Home Minister G. Parameshwara added that the state government has not yet made any decision regarding Mohanty’s replacement, signaling that for now, the SIT’s composition remains unchanged.
What Lies Ahead
The SIT is expected to continue its methodical excavation of the remaining identified sites, with Spot 7 being under consideration for the next phase. However, officials have not confirmed whether digging at that location will begin immediately.
The discovery of skeletal remains is a potentially damning piece of evidence that could corroborate the whistleblower’s testimony and uncover what may be one of the most disturbing cases of systemic abuse and cover-up in the recent history of Karnataka.
It raises chilling questions about what was hidden for decades under the surface of a place visited by millions each year in search of peace and spirituality.
As the investigation deepens, both the state machinery and civil society await clarity, justice, and truth.
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