The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing a case of alleged multiple rapes, murders, and burials in Dharmasthala has recovered human skeletal remains. The discovery was made on September 6 during a site inspection at Bangale Gudde, police confirmed on Monday.
The remains were found in the presence of a relative of the victim, a 17-year-old college student who was allegedly raped and murdered on October 9, 2012. More than a decade later, her case remains unresolved despite a CBI investigation and intervention from the Supreme Court, as the perpetrators have never been identified.
According to police sources, the relative unearthed a human skull from the site on the instructions of activist Girish Mattannavar. Mattannavar had previously received information from complainant CN Chinnaiah, whose complaint led to the formation of the SIT.
The SIT has since confirmed that at least two sets of skeletal remains were recovered during the operation. "During the spot mahazar (spot inspection) at Bangale Gudde, the SIT recovered skeletal remains of at least two individuals," a senior police source said, calling it a "shocking development." Officials suspect that more remains may be buried at the desolate site.
The recovered bones have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for analysis. Investigators are now finding why Chinnaiah, despite knowing about the site, did not disclose the information sooner.
Police added that the relative, who acted under Mattannavar's direction and video-recorded the exhumation, has not been taken into custody but is likely to be questioned further. "We will investigate how the person came to know of this location and why it was kept hidden for so long," a police official said. "The FSL report will be crucial in establishing the identity of the deceased and the circumstances of their death."
The multiple burial case, which has captivated the region, remains under close watch, with the SIT expected to widen its probe following the latest findings. Investigators have also received leads extending into Kerala and Tamil Nadu. A YouTuber from Kerala, Manaf, has been summoned to appear before the SIT on Monday.
The controversy began when a complainant, later identified as CN Chinnaiah and arrested on charges of perjury, claimed to have buried a number of bodies in Dharmasthala over time, including those of women who showed signs of sexual assault. His allegations implicated the administrators of the local temple. The BJP had protested against what it saw as the targeting of the temple, while Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar had warned that action would be taken if the complaint was found to be false. Veerendra Heggade, the Dharmadhikari or custodian of the temple, had also welcomed the SIT's formation.
Also read: Dharmasthala case: K'taka HM questions need for NIA probe
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