Dharmasthala: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the sensational Dharmasthala case has uncovered a crucial development, revealing the role of the victim’s maternal uncle in handling important evidence.
Uncle’s involvement in recovery of skull
According to SIT sources, Vittal Gowda, the maternal uncle of Sowjanya, was the first person to recover the skull linked to the case from the forest near the Netravati bathing ghat in Dharmasthala village. This revelation emerged during sustained interrogation of the accused and witnesses currently in custody.
On Saturday night, the SIT, accompanied by Gowda, conducted a spot mahazar at the bathing ghat to reconstruct the sequence of events. Investigators have identified the forest stretch at Banglagudde, close to the ghat, as an area of significant forensic interest in the case.
Chain of custody under scrutiny
Officials said Gowda recovered the skull from the Banglagudde forest and later handed it over to Chinnayya, a former sanitation worker and complainant in the case, who is now in judicial custody. Investigators believe this detail could prove vital in establishing the chain of custody and examining potential tampering with the evidence.
The SIT is now probing the motive behind Gowda’s actions—whether they were carried out under pressure, in good faith, or as part of an attempt to influence the investigation. At the same time, forensic experts are working to confirm the authenticity of the skull and its possible connection to the crime.
Intensified investigation
The Dharmasthala case, which has attracted intense public and media attention, continues to see new twists as the SIT broadens its probe. Officials have stepped up field inspections, forensic analysis, and repeated interrogations of key individuals to uncover the complete truth.
Authorities indicated that further updates may surface in the coming days as the SIT works to piece together the chain of events surrounding the recovery and handling of the evidence.