Bengaluru: The investigation into the alleged mass burial in Dharmasthala has entered a critical phase with the first official confirmation of human remains being discovered.
Karnataka Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara on Thursday announced that a male skeleton and several human bones were recovered by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) from sites identified during the ongoing probe.
Speaking to media, Dr Parameshwara said the remains were recovered based on revelations made by an anonymous individual who had submitted his testimony before a magistrate under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
The skeletal findings have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for analysis.
“At the sixth marked location, a male skeleton was recovered. At the thirteenth site, nothing was found. However, additional bones were recovered from another newly identified location,” the minister said. This marks the first physical evidence in a case that has triggered a wave of concern across Karnataka since the allegations surfaced in July.
Dr Parameshwara emphasised that any decision to excavate further would rest entirely with the SIT. “The investigation must be scientific and unbiased. We are not issuing directions; the SIT will proceed as per credibility and forensic input,” he said.
The minister also addressed the growing unrest in Dharmasthala, confirming reports of a violent clash between two groups earlier in the day. “We have received information about confrontations and attacks on media personnel. I have directed the authorities to investigate the reasons behind the violence and identify those responsible,” he said. Both sides involved in the altercation have reportedly filed complaints, and legal action is being taken.
Responding to concerns over the pace and tools used in the investigation, the Home Minister said some people had suggested employing Ground Penetrating Radar technology. However, he insisted that public suggestions alone could not dictate the direction of a forensic probe.
“The police and SIT are capable. They have our trust and full autonomy to proceed as required,” he added.
The gravity of the case stems from the shocking deposition made on July 11 by an unnamed individual, who claimed that he had been forced to bury the bodies of women and girls who had allegedly been raped and murdered.
He stated the victims were found without clothes and bore injuries suggesting sexual assault. His explosive statement led to widespread calls for a court-monitored SIT probe, with several retired judges and activists demanding transparency and justice.
“In light of these serious claims and public outcry, we constituted the SIT. With the recovery of human remains, we are treating the matter with utmost seriousness,” said Dr Parameshwara.
As the SIT continues its excavation and forensic work, political pressure and public anxiety are mounting. The government has reiterated that the investigation will remain evidence-based and impartial. Meanwhile, cases related to the recent Dharmasthala clashes are also under active legal scrutiny.
