Dharmasthala Crimes: SIT finds multiple skeletal remains at Bangle Gudde during Mahajar

Belthangady

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the mass burial case found multiple skeletal remains while conducting a mahajar at Bangle Gudde on Saturday. The procedure was carried out in the presence of Vittal Gowda, a relative of Soujanya’s family.

During the investigation, the SIT discovered that at Bangle Gudde, Gowda had dug up and taken out a skull on the instructions of Girish Mattannavar. Girish Mattannavar reportedly learnt about this location from Chinnayya, who is an accused in the mass burial case and has been sent to 14-day judicial custody. The same skull was presented as evidence by Chinnayya. 

A source in the Home Ministry, familiar with the investigation, told blrpost.com: “During the mahajar at Bangle Gudde, the SIT found skeletal remains belonging to at least two human beings. This was shocking for the investigation team. Officers believe there may be more skeletal remains at this desolate site. The SIT will also investigate why Chinnayya did not disclose this location despite the presence of remains. The skeletal remains recovered during the mahazar will be sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL).”

The sources said Chinnayya first informed about this location to Mattannavar. Later Mattannavar instructed Gowda to go and take out the skull. On his direction, Gowda did the ground operation and took out the skull. He also shot the video. 

The SIT may continue questioning Vittal Gowda if necessary, though he has not been arrested. Officials remain determined to get to the bottom of the case and explore all possible angles.

It may be recalled that Chinnayya was arrested on August 23 and is currently in SIT custody. He faces charges of perjury and forgery of evidence related to a skull he presented before a magistrate. The SIT was constituted by the state government on July 19 after Chinnayya filed a complaint at the Dharmasthala police station alleging he had been forced to bury bodies illegally.

He also recorded his statement before a magistrate. The SIT carried out exhumation operations for two weeks and recovered skeletal remains belonging to two individuals, which have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Madiwala.