The Special Investigation Team (SIT), probing the alleged mass burial case in Dharmasthala, has initiated exhumation work at a second suspected burial site on Wednesday. The operation is focused on uncovering any human remains linked to allegations of rape and murder that reportedly occurred in the village over a decade ago.
An officer involved in the investigation told TNIE that the second location is a secluded, forested hillock near the Nethravathi bathing ghat. Due to the terrain, the team is employing only manual labour to carry out the digging. “We are not using any machinery for this exhumation,” the officer confirmed.
Earlier, the SIT had completed its search at the first suspected site but found no evidence. According to officials, the complainant—who is also a key witness—had been uncertain about the exact location and had only pointed out a general area. “As there was no specific spot, we dug up the entire area but did not find anything. The pit has since been closed,” the officer added.
The investigation stems from a startling allegation made by a former sanitation worker who claims he was forced to bury multiple victims of sexual assault and murder in the village years ago. His statement led to the registration of a case on July 4 by the Dharmasthala police.
Subsequently, on July 19, a Special Investigation Team was formed under the leadership of Director General of Police (DGP) Pronab Mohanty to thoroughly probe the matter.