Mangaluru, Aug 4 (NationPress) The Special Investigation Team (SIT) investigating the allegations of mass graves has entered its sixth day of excavation at designated burial sites within a Hindu pilgrimage center in Karnataka's Mangaluru as of Monday.

The authorities are currently digging at the 11th site with the aid of a mini earth mover.

A whistleblower had previously identified a total of 13 suspected mass burial locations. As of now, the SIT has successfully excavated 10 of these 13 sites.

The excavation work continued until Saturday, with workers given a rest day on Sunday. Sources from the SIT have indicated that they plan to finalize digging at all 13 sites by the end of the day. This operation is supervised by Assistant Commissioner (Revenue) Stella Varghese.

The significance of this excavation intensified after skeletal remains were reportedly discovered from Burial Site No. 6 last Thursday. According to SIT sources, between 10 to 12 bones, believed to be from hands and legs, were unearthed from a forest area, alongside a skull bone.

This finding is considered a possible turning point in the ongoing investigation regarding the alleged mass graves in the temple town.

At each burial site, authorities commence by digging an area measuring 5x6 feet. If any evidence is uncovered, further actions will be decided. The 11th and 12th burial sites are situated close to each other, while the 13th site is located slightly farther away, near the banks of the River Nethravathi. The area has been secured with green covers for safety and privacy.

Aside from the alleged bone recovery at the sixth burial site, authorities have not uncovered any other notable evidence to substantiate the claims made by the whistleblower and the unidentified complainant. The excavation is taking place in the presence of the complainant.

As of now, the SIT has not released any official statements regarding their findings.

Meanwhile, social activist T. Jayanth has approached the SIT, alleging he witnessed the improper disposal of a 15-year-old girl without following legal procedures.

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

Additionally, the whistleblower reportedly submitted a skull, allegedly found at one of the burial sites, to the SIT.

In a significant development on July 11, the unidentified complainant, who claimed he was coerced into burying the bodies of women and girls who were allegedly raped and murdered in Dharmasthala, presented himself in a court in Mangaluru district to record his statement. He requested to be present for the exhumation of the bodies, alleging that the victims exhibited clear signs of sexual assault. He claimed the bodies were discovered without clothing or undergarments and displayed injuries consistent with violent sexual abuse.

These alarming revelations have sent shockwaves throughout Karnataka.

Following these claims, a retired Supreme Court judge and various activists have called for a Supreme Court or High Court-monitored SIT investigation into the alleged Dharmasthala murders, which may involve the deaths of numerous women, girls, and vulnerable men.