The Special Investigation Team (SIT) is set to scan the 13th site identified by a complainant witness in Dharmasthala village, near the Netravati bathing ghat, using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR). On Monday, weeds at the location were cleared, a drone survey completed, and GPS coordinates recorded. Officials plan to use the GPR on Tuesday to detect signs of human remains, proceeding with excavation only if confirmed.
Sources said the 13th spot has three electricity poles and a small vented dam nearby, prompting extra safety measures. At present, GPR will be used only at this location, with no decision yet on other sites pointed out by the witness.
Meanwhile, nearly four decades after the death of pre-university student Padmalatha, her sister Indravati has petitioned the SIT to reopen the case. Padmalatha, a II PUC student at SDM College, Ujire, went missing on December 22, 1986, and her decomposed body was found near Neriya stream on February 17, 1987. Indravati alleges her sister was abducted, assaulted, and murdered.
Her father, CPI(M) leader Devananda, had led protests that prompted a COD probe and legislative discussions. Then Home Minister Rachaiah had visited the family, but the case was closed as “undetected.” The family opted for burial, hoping future evidence might emerge. Indravati now seeks exhumation of the remains and has pledged to testify. The SIT has accepted her petition and will summon her soon.