Security personnel near a site that is being dug up as part of the investigation into allegations of illegal burials at Dharmasthala, in Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka, on August 6, 2025.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing allegations of illegal burials in Dharmasthala did not excavate site no. 13, which is near a vented dam built across the Netravati river, on August 7. Instead, the team completed the procedural formalities related to what was found after digging 12 of the 13 sites listed by the complainant.
The SIT personnel questioned the complainant, a 50-year-sanitation worker, for nearly two hours on August 7 in its Belthangady office. Assistant Commissioner, Puttur Sub-Division, Stella Varghese, was also at the SIT office for nearly two hours. A few witnesses related to the complaint were also examined.
SIT Chief and Director General of Police Pronab Mohanty had a long meeting with the team.
According to SIT sources, the complainant has told them that skeletal remains at site No. 13 could be found at a depth of 20 feet. An electricity transformer has been placed at the site. Hence, the SIT has decided to hire a ground penetrating device for site No. 13. If the device shows signs of human remains, the electricity transformer will be shifted before digging the site, sources said.
The SIT is also contemplating a ‘mahazar’ (recording processes and procedure followed) of new burial sites. Details of visits to those sites with the complainant will not be made public, as it would put the safety of complainant at risk. The complainant has been brought under the ‘Victim Protection Scheme’.
In the light of attack on three Youtubers and a cameraperson on August 6, the complainant on August 7 sought increase in police protection. SIT officials said that security for the complainant has been increased.
Published – August 08, 2025 10:53 am IST
