Beltangady: The Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Karnataka government to probe the alleged burial of a body in Dharmasthala has come under criticism after several workers, machinery owners and local vendors claimed that their payments remain pending even weeks after the excavation work concluded. According to sources associated with the operation, the unpaid dues have crossed Rs 2 lakh, leaving daily wage labourers and service providers in financial distress.
The SIT had launched an extensive excavation drive in and around Dharmasthala after bringing in a man identified as Chinnayya, popularly referred to as the “mask man”, who allegedly claimed knowledge about the burial sites. Based on the information provided by him, officials marked multiple spots for digging and carried out searches at 17 different locations.
Excavation operation lasted ten days
The excavation process reportedly continued for nearly ten days and required heavy machinery and manpower on a daily basis. A local JCB owner was engaged to carry out large-scale digging operations at various identified sites. After completion of the work, the owner submitted a bill amounting to Rs 71,500 to the authorities.
However, despite repeated follow-ups, the payment has allegedly not been released. The machinery owner is now said to be facing financial strain as operational expenses, including fuel charges and labour costs connected to the equipment, remain unsettled.
Sources said the excavation involved deep trenching and clearing of hard soil, making the use of heavy machinery unavoidable throughout the operation.
Labourers yet to receive wages
Apart from the JCB operator, around 10 to 12 daily wage labourers were reportedly employed every day to assist SIT officials during the search operation. The workers were engaged in physically demanding tasks such as clearing debris, manually digging pits, carrying excavation tools and assisting investigators at multiple locations.
The total unpaid wages owed to these labourers have reportedly exceeded Rs 80,000. Many of the workers belong to economically weaker backgrounds and depend entirely on daily earnings to support their families.
Locals alleged that several labourers had stopped attending other work opportunities in order to cooperate with the SIT operation, expecting timely payment from the authorities. With the dues still pending, some workers are now said to be visiting offices repeatedly seeking clarification and release of their wages.
Residents in the region have expressed concern that those who fully cooperated with the investigation are now struggling to recover their rightful earnings.
Vendors and suppliers also affected
The pending payments are not limited to labourers and machinery operators. Local vendors who supplied materials and logistical support for the SIT camp have also reportedly not been compensated.
Among the unpaid expenses are bills related to the erection of a shamiana for officials stationed at the site, procurement of manual excavation tools such as spades and pickaxes, and supply of packaged drinking water bottles for personnel involved in the operation.
In addition, vehicle owners who were hired to transport labourers and materials to various excavation spots have also reportedly not received their dues. Sources said the combined outstanding amount from all these services has pushed the total pending bills beyond Rs 2 lakh.
Several vendors have expressed disappointment over the delay, stating that they extended services in good faith considering the operation was being carried out under direct government supervision.
Questions raised over administrative handling
The delay in settling payments has now sparked criticism regarding the administrative management of the SIT operation. Locals and workers have questioned why basic payments connected to an official state investigation have remained unpaid for such a long period.
Some residents have urged the authorities to intervene immediately and clear all pending bills without further delay. They argued that labourers and local service providers should not be made to suffer after cooperating fully with the investigation process.
The excavation drive itself had attracted significant public attention due to the sensational claims surrounding the alleged burial. However, with no official confirmation regarding the recovery of any remains so far, the focus has now shifted towards the plight of those who supported the operation on the ground.
As frustration grows among workers and vendors, local residents hope the concerned authorities will act swiftly to resolve the issue and ensure that all pending dues are cleared at the earliest.