Investigation in Dharmasthala: Skeletal remains found, further examination required

Dharmasthala: In a significant development in the Dharmasthala burial site investigation in Dakshina Kannada, skeletal remains have been recovered from one of the locations identified by a key witness. The remains were found buried at a depth of two feet at the 6th excavation point.

Initial assessments suggest that the bones are of a human, with officials stating that the remains resemble a male skeleton. This is the first discovery since the two-day inspection began.

A forensic team present at the scene has collected the bones for detailed analysis, with officials noting that further forensic examination will be required to determine more specific details.

No human remains were recovered from the first five locations excavated on Wednesday. The first of these, situated on the banks of the Netravati river, was dug up on Tuesday in the presence of the witness. Despite additional efforts involving a JCB after water flow was detected, no evidence was found at that particular site.

A large multidisciplinary team is involved in the search operation, including forensic experts, forest and revenue department officials, Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) personnel, police, gram panchayat members, and labourers.

The witness, had earlier identified 15 locations in Dharmasthala where he claimed bodies had been buried. The investigation team subsequently marked and geo-tagged all the sites. The first 8 locations are along the banks of the Netravati river, while sites 9 to 12 are situated near the highway beside the river. The 13th location lies along the road connecting Netravati to Ajukuri, with the final two in the Kanyadi area near the highway.

Further excavations and forensic investigations are expected in the coming days as authorities pursue clarity in this disturbing case.