Is the Karnataka Mass Grave Case at Dharmasthala About to Reveal More?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The SIT's excavation efforts continue at the 13th site.
- No significant evidence has been found after 13 days of digging.
- The complainant alleges hundreds of bodies are buried across multiple locations.
- Authorities may seek tests to verify the complainant's claims.
- The BJP is actively involved in discussions regarding the investigation.
Mangaluru, Aug 13 (NationPress) The Special Investigation Team (SIT), currently investigating the mass grave case, is set to commence the final phase of excavation at the 13th burial site this Wednesday.
These developments are under rigorous scrutiny, as the past 13 days of excavation in the temple town of Dharmasthala have yielded no significant evidence.
Sources indicate that if today's operation fails to uncover anything, the excavation might be suspended.
An anonymous complainant has alleged that he buried hundreds of bodies of women and girls, purportedly victims of rape and murder, across 13 different locations.
The SIT has identified all these sites and has even excavated additional areas pointed out by the complainant.
Authorities are reportedly considering filing a petition to request the court’s permission to administer either a brain mapping or a narco-analysis test on the complainant to ascertain the veracity of his claims.
No evidence was discovered at the 13th burial site following an extensive search by the SIT, concluding the excavation work on Tuesday in the temple town of Dharmasthala.
The SIT utilized a drone-mounted Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) for the excavation.
After identifying the burial site, digging was carried out with two earthmovers, continuing late into the evening despite adverse weather conditions.
Sources confirmed that the authorities excavated as deep as 18 feet but were unable to retrieve any remains.
On Wednesday, the SIT will persist with excavation efforts using the GPR and earthmovers.
Sources disclosed that the unidentified complainant claims he has buried approximately 300 corpses of women and girls at an additional 30 sites in Dharmasthala.
Meanwhile, this issue is scheduled for discussion in the Assembly on Wednesday.
The BJP plans to address what they describe as “attempts and conspiracies to tarnish the reputation of the pilgrimage centre Dharmasthala” by an unknown complainant.
About 20 legislators from the BJP, including BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra, are set to visit the Dharmasthala pilgrimage centre for a worship session to convey a message.
According to sources, the BJP leaders intend to make the trip from Bengaluru to Dharmasthala in around 200 vehicles, accompanied by supporters.
In a related development, the Karnataka BJP raised concerns regarding the Dharmasthala murders in the Assembly on Tuesday.
BJP MLA and State General Secretary V. Sunil Kumar stated, “We support the SIT probe and have no objections to uncovering the truth. However, we believe there are attempts to undermine and defame a Hindu religious centre under the guise of investigation.”