Dharmasthala Crimes: SIT is at fully liberty to conduct probe, to carry out further digging

Dharmasthala

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Dharmasthala mass burial case has full liberty to carry out further exhumation operations and continue the investigation. Home Minister G. Parameshwara, on Monday (August 18, 2025), clarified the intent of the State government.

Speaking on the case, the Home Minister stressed that the SIT alone will decide on further exhumation operations after DNA analysis results are available. Sources in the SIT said exhumation work has been temporarily paused for investigative purposes and will resume soon. No government functionary or minister has put pressure on the SIT’s probe.

Highly placed sources in the Home Ministry told blrpost.com: “As Parameshwara has reiterated, the SIT has full liberty to conduct the investigation in its own time, and the report will be submitted to the Principal Civil Judge and Judicial Magistrate First Class, Belthangady taluk.” The sources added that the SIT is exploring multiple angles and may have uncovered something significant.

Apart from exhumation operations at the new site, the SIT will also conduct verifications at earlier digging spots. Investigators are convinced that Bheema is telling the truth, though topographical changes may have prevented him from pinpointing the exact location. Locals may also be included in the verification process. So far, the team has found several bones belonging to two human beings, which have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL).

It should be noted that the government formed the SIT on July 19, after a former sanitation worker of the Dharmasthala Temple Administration (DTA) filed a complaint at the local police station on July 3, alleging he was forced to bury bodies.