MANGALURU: In the ongoing investigation into the Dharmasthala mass burial case, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) reportedly found partial skeletal remains at site number 6 on the third day of the exhumation process on Thursday.The SIT continued the search operations based on the allegations made by the complainant witness, a former sanitation worker, who claimed he was coerced to bury bodies of women and minors in the village. While exhuming the sites shown by the complainant witness, the SIT found partial skeletal remains at site number 6 near the bathing ghat of the Nethravati River. The SIT is in the process of sending the remains, which were found at a depth of about 4 feet, along with other samples from the site, for a detailed FSL analysis.
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Five out of the 13 alleged burial sites that were marked on Monday by the SIT, based on the information provided by the complainant witness, were searched for two days without finding any human remains. On Thursday, the SIT arrived well-prepared with a mini earthmover, water pump set, and pipes to drain out water. Plastic sheets were used during the digging process to protect from rain.Soon after finding the partial skeletal remains, they were shifted from the site amidst tight security. Officials of the SIT are yet to make an official statement regarding the finding of skeletal remains and the next steps. The digging work continued after unearthing skeletal remains at the point in the presence of the complainant witness.Meanwhile, the SIT stated in a release that an office has been set up at the IB in Mallikatte in Mangaluru in connection with the Dharmasthala mass burial case investigation. Those who would like to meet the SIT may visit the office between 10 am and 5 pm. People may also dial 0824 – 2005301, 8277986369, or email sitdps@ksp.gov.in, the release said.
