Is the Dharmasthala Mass Grave Investigation Reaching Its Conclusion?

Mangaluru (Karnataka), Aug 6 (NationPress) The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is anticipated to finalize excavation efforts on Wednesday at the 13th and last designated burial site in Dharmasthala, linked to the allegations surrounding mass graves. Preparations are in progress for the excavation at this 13th site, situated close to the Netravathi-Ajikuri Road.

Sources indicate that the team will also pursue excavations at a newly-discovered location, now designated as burial site number 14. On August 4, authorities unearthed several bones from this newly identified site.

The SIT is expected to interrogate Jayanth, a social activist who lodged a complaint about the unlawful disposal of the body of a minor girl, estimated to be between 13 and 15 years old, without adhering to legal protocols.

Excavations began on July 29, and the team has successfully completed work at 12 sites thus far.

Human remains were uncovered at the sixth burial site, but the SIT has yet to release an official statement regarding any findings at the various sites.

The team wrapped up digging at the 11th and 12th sites on Tuesday but did not uncover any noteworthy evidence.

SIT chief, DGP Pronab Mohanty, has arrived in Mangaluru to oversee the investigation. The completion of digging at the 13th burial site will signify the conclusion of the first phase of this probe.

A significant development occurred on July 11 when an anonymous complainant, alleging that he had been coerced into burying the bodies of women and girls who were victims of rape and murder in Dharmasthala, appeared before a court in Mangaluru and provided his testimony.

This individual requested that the remains be exhumed in his presence and claimed that the victims exhibited clear signs of sexual assault. He reported that the bodies were discovered without clothing or undergarments and bore injuries indicative of violent sexual abuse.

These alarming disclosures have sent ripples of shock throughout Karnataka and beyond.

In response to these claims, a retired Supreme Court judge and numerous activists have called for an SIT investigation under the supervision of the Supreme Court or High Court, which may delve into the deaths of various women, girls, and marginalized men.

Previously, SIT chief Mohanty had remarked that no substantial evidence had been retrieved from earlier excavated sites. However, subsequent reports revealed that a torn red blouse and a PAN card belonging to a woman named Lakshmi were found at the first burial site.

Moreover, the whistleblower reportedly handed over a skull, purportedly retrieved from one of the burial sites, to the SIT.