Mangaluru — The process of unearthing remains linked to the alleged mass burials in Dharmasthala began on Tuesday, with digging initiated at locations identified by the key witness in the case.
Despite persistent rainfall, a team of 7–8 workers began excavation work in a forested region near the Netravathi River, adjacent to the Dharmasthala bathing ghat, where the deceased are believed to have been interred.
The primary witness, whose identity remains concealed, guided the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to the sites. Present at the scene were several key officials, including SP Jithendra Kumar Dayama (Internal Security Division), AC Stella Varghese (Puttur), Belthangady Tahsildar Prithvi Sanikam, as well as Scene-of-Crime Officers and members of the Forensic Science Laboratory.
A legal team was also on-site to oversee the proceedings. The entire excavation effort is being video-documented by SIT personnel for evidence and procedural accuracy.
Before the field operation, a strategic review meeting was held at the SIT office in Belthangady, chaired by DIG M N Anucheth, to finalize plans for the next stages of the probe.
On Monday, the whistleblower had identified 13 locations near the Netravathi riverbank. These spots were digitally geo-tagged, cordoned off with barrier tape, and sequentially labeled for tracking.
To ensure order and security, armed police units, along with personnel from the Garuda Force, Special Action Force, and KSRP, have been stationed around the excavation zone.