Discovered Remains at Sixth Location: Dharmasthala Mass Burial Incident Exhibits Concerning Development
The Dharmasthala mass burial case, a chilling mystery that has shaken the spiritual town of Dharmasthala, is currently under active investigation by a Special Investigation Team (SIT). The case was sparked by allegations made by a former sanitation worker at the Dharmasthala temple in July 2025, who claimed he was forced to bury hundreds of bodies from 1995 to 2014, including victims of murder and sexual violence.
Since late July, the SIT has been conducting exhumations at multiple alleged burial sites identified by the whistleblower. So far, bones have been recovered from six different locations, with two bones found at the sixth site as reported on July 31. The recovered remains are being carefully documented and sent for forensic and DNA analysis to establish identities and causes of death.
Authorities have taken several steps to ensure transparency and rigor in the investigation. The excavation is proceeding under the supervision of senior police officials including the SIT chief and DIG, alongside forensic experts and local administrative officers like the Tehsildar. The complainant who made the allegations is actively leading the SIT during spot inspections to help locate burial sites. Police are maintaining detailed records of remains recovered, and forensic laboratories are involved for scientific validation including DNA testing.
As the investigation continues, the case has prompted wider scrutiny and protests due to the historical lack of oversight and alleged suppression in the region, which had no local police station until 2016 despite prior related incidents. If DNA results confirm human origin, especially of women or minors, the case could be elevated to a national-level criminal probe. DNA analysis results from the FSL are expected within two weeks.
The SIT plans to conduct ground-penetrating radar (GPR) surveys to identify possible additional grave sites. A dedicated forensic team from the state's FSL is working in parallel to ensure immediate analysis of all finds. Additional nine police personnel have been deployed to support the Dharmasthala mass burial case probe. Local civil officers are overseeing the excavations to ensure procedural compliance.
Women's rights organizations have launched a petition campaign across Karnataka, demanding justice for the victims. Civil society groups are preparing Public Interest Litigations (PILs) to demand judicial monitoring. A torn red blouse and a PAN card of a woman named Lakshmi were found at Site 1. Former SC judge Justice Kurian Joseph has called for urgent national-level oversight.
Excavations of Sites 9 to 13 are scheduled for the second week of August. The SIT established with full-time officers across ranks is committed to a methodical approach with forensic backing to ensure transparency and credibility given the high-profile and sensitive nature of the allegations. The investigation is still in the evidence-gathering phase, with the authorities appearing determined to uncover the truth behind claims of mass illegal burials from decades prior.
- The investigation into the Dharmasthala mass burial case, a general-news topic that has sparked public outrage, is being overseen by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) in compliance with political and forensic standards to ensure credibility.
- As the SIT continues to gather evidence, crime-and-justice organizations across Karnataka are calling for national-level oversight, following the discovery of potential victims' remains and related documents at various burial sites, highlighting the need for accountability and justice in this high-profile case.
