Mangaluru (Karnataka), July 31 (NationPress) — In a significant breakthrough regarding the mass grave allegations, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has unearthed bones while excavating the sixth burial site at a prominent Hindu pilgrimage destination in Mangaluru district of Karnataka, as sources confirmed on Thursday.

This finding could represent a pivotal moment in the ongoing inquiry into the mass grave claims in the Dharmasthala temple town.

SIT officials reported that two bones were retrieved from the sixth burial location, which is situated in a wooded area.

In light of this discovery, the SIT is now concentrating its efforts on a meticulous and thorough excavation of the site, with the entire team redirected to facilitate the operation.

In response to this significant finding, SIT chief DGP P. Mohanty and DIG M.N. Anuchet are hurrying to the site. The excavation is being conducted with the oversight of the Tehsildar, forensic science specialists, and SIT members.

Authorities are proceeding with caution throughout the digging process. The bones that have been recovered will be documented and sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for comprehensive examination and DNA analysis.

Sources have indicated that the whistleblower has stated he buried eight bodies at this sixth burial site.

However, no official comment has yet emerged regarding this discovery.

Meanwhile, DGP and IGP M.A. Saleem have authorized the deployment of nine additional police personnel—including a head constable and several constables—to support the SIT in the ongoing investigation. Previously, the department had assigned 20 police officers to assist the SIT.

Excavation at the designated burial sites has continued for the third consecutive day, despite rainfall. Excavation efforts are currently taking place at sites numbered six, seven, and eight out of 13 marked burial locations.

Civic workers are being engaged to carry out the digging, while Tehsildars, forensic experts, and the complainant are also present to monitor the site.

SIT chief Mohanty had earlier stated that no recoveries had been made from the burial sites excavated thus far.

However, reports have emerged indicating that investigators recovered a torn red blouse and a PAN card belonging to a woman named Lakshmi from the first burial site.

Additionally, the whistleblower and complainant has reportedly submitted a skull—allegedly excavated from the burial site—to the SIT.

In a significant turn of events, on July 11, the unidentified complainant in the case, who alleged he was coerced into burying multiple bodies of women and girls who were raped and murdered in Dharmasthala village, appeared in court in Karnataka’s Mangaluru district to provide his testimony.

He requested that the police exhume the bodies in his presence and alleged that the bodies of the women exhibited clear signs of sexual assault.

These bodies were reportedly found without clothing or undergarments and displayed injuries indicative of violent sexual acts. The shocking revelations have stunned the state.

A retired Supreme Court judge and various activists have called for a SIT investigation overseen by the Supreme Court or the High Court into these disturbing Dharmasthala murders involving numerous women, girls, and impoverished men.

This development has ignited considerable controversy.