Male skeleton, human bones found at Dharmasthala dig sites, confirms Karnataka Home Minister
Mangaluru: Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara has confirmed that a male skeleton and several human bones have been recovered by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged mass grave case in Dharmasthala, a prominent temple town in Mangaluru district.
Skeletal remains found at sixth site
Addressing the media in Bengaluru on Thursday, Home Minister Parameshwara stated that the skeletal remains were found at specific burial sites identified by an unknown complainant, whose shocking testimony had triggered the investigation. The remains have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for scientific analysis.
“The unknown complainant claimed that he had buried dead bodies at 13 locations. Based on his revelations, the SIT excavated the sites. At the sixth location, a male skeleton was recovered, and at the 13th point, nothing has been found yet. Apart from this, multiple bones were recovered from a new spot,” he added, noting this as the first official confirmation of human remains being recovered in the alleged Dharmasthala murder case.
Further excavations under consideration
When asked if further excavations would take place beyond the 13 identified sites, Parameshwara reiterated that SIT will independently decide whether to expand the excavation efforts.
"We will not interfere in their decisions. If they find there is truth to the claims, they will proceed accordingly. If there are inconsistencies, they will question the complainant for accurate information. The government will not issue any directives," he said.
Clashes and media attacks under investigation
Referring to the recent unrest in Dharmasthala, the Home Minister added that a clash broke out between two groups on Wednesday. “I have directed the authorities to look into the matter and submit a complete report explaining why the incident occurred, who is responsible, and what their intent was. We can see that tensions are rising, but the reasons are still unclear,” he said.
There have also been reports of attacks on journalists and media personnel covering the incident. Parameshwara said, “It is being said that two groups are involved. Complaints have been filed from both sides, and they are being investigated. Further legal action will be initiated by the SIT and local police.”
Responding to another question, he stated, "At this stage, individual statements are not important. What matters is that the SIT must conduct a scientific and technologically advanced investigation so that the truth comes out. That is the mandate we have given them. Raising questions now serves no purpose."
"We have entrusted the SIT with full responsibility. Their main job is to submit a comprehensive report. There are conflicting opinions — some say the SIT is doing a good job, while others criticize it. Some have suggested using Ground Penetrating Radar technology. But can an investigation be conducted based solely on public suggestions?" he questioned.
"The police are capable and will handle the matter efficiently," he concluded.
Origins of the investigation
The investigation was launched after an anonymous complainant appeared before a court in Mangaluru on July 11, 2025, claiming he had been forced to bury hundreds of victims, primarily women and girls, who had been raped and murdered. His testimony, recorded under Section 164 before a magistrate, included chilling details of undressed bodies bearing injuries suggestive of sexual assault.
The complainant identified 13 burial locations, prompting the SIT to initiate excavation at all the sites.
IANS inputs