Unveiling Secrets: Dharmasthala's Alleged Mass Burials Under Investigation

The Special Investigation Team on Friday escalated its investigation into alleged mass burials in Dharmasthala, initiating excavation at the seventh site in the temple town, police reported.

This action follows the recovery of skeletal remains at an adjacent site, Point No 6, the previous day.

With 15 sites earmarked for digging based on an anonymous complaint from a former sanitation worker, the team has ramped up operations through additional manpower and machinery deployments.

Police noted the continuation of excavations depends on forensic evaluations of discovered remains. Forensic experts highlighted the necessity of retrieving a complete skeleton to accurately determine cause of death or detect malfeasance.

In light of these accusations, Dharmasthala Grama Panchayat officials stated that over 200 unidentified bodies were legally buried in the area since 1995, often along riverbanks and government lands.

The SIT's formation by state authorities was prompted by claims of mass murder, rape, and unreported burials throughout two decades.

The complainant, an ex-sanitation worker, alleged coercion into burying bodies with signs of violence and has testified before a magistrate.

(With inputs from agencies.)