Mangaluru: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) on Tuesday launched an exhumation operation near the Dharmasthala bathing ghat as part of the ongoing investigation into the alleged mass burial case. The effort began at a site identified by the complainant witness and was conducted under heavy police protection and forensic supervision.
Despite hours of digging—reaching approximately 8 feet deep and 15 feet wide—no human remains were recovered on the first day. A dog squad was brought in to assist, but with groundwater flooding the pit due to the site’s proximity (just 10 meters) to the Netravathi River, manual excavation proved difficult.
The operation, monitored by Puttur Assistant Commissioner Stella Varghese, was coordinated by SIT officials and forensic experts. A high-level meeting had been convened earlier at the SIT office in Belthangady under the leadership of DIG MN Anucheth to strategize the operation.
By midday, over 10 laborers, forensic officers, and SOCO personnel began the digging, accompanied by the complainant witness—face covered—and a legal team. After initial excavation efforts were hampered by rain and soil conditions, a mini earthmover was brought in to continue digging until around 6 pm. Before pausing for the day, the pit was filled back, with approval from the witness and legal representatives.
The spot, thick with vegetation and sand-laden soil, yielded a few cloth fragments, but no further evidence. The area was secured overnight by Garuda Force, SAF, and KSRP units.
SIT sources confirmed that only one of the 13 geo-tagged sites was examined, with further excavation scheduled for Wednesday.