Dharmasthala Crimes: Skeletal remains of how many human beings has SIT found?

Bengaluru

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Dharmasthala mass burial case has so far recovered skeletal remains of two human beings. Sources in the SIT said these remains were retrieved from the 6th and 11(A) spots. Spot 11(A) is the 14th location marked by the SIT.

On Friday, the SIT began digging at the 15th spot after completing an inquest near Kallei petrol bunk. A total of 14 spots are located near the Netravati Sthnana Ghatta (Bathing Ghat). According to SIT sources, excavation at the 15th spot will continue on Saturday. The SIT commenced exhumation on July 29. This news website has been maintaining that 15 spots were first identified for marking.

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Speaking to blrpost.com, an SIT source said, “More than 50–60 bones and a full skull were found at the 14th location. We also believed there was another fractured skull. However, analysis confirmed that these belonged to one individual. At the 6th spot, we found a full skull and bones belonging to another person. So far, we have recovered skeletal remains of two individuals.”

The source clarified that no skeletal remains were found at spots 1 to 5 and rejected reports claiming four sets of remains. “We have not found a single bone between spots 1 and 5,” the source stressed.

The skeletal remains have been sent to a forensic science laboratory for further analysis. The SIT has not yet determined the identity or sex of the individuals. Investigators hope to uncover more remains.

It may be recalled that the State government formed the SIT after a former sanitation worker of the Dharmasthala Temple Administration filed a complaint with the local police on July 3, alleging that he was forced to bury hundreds of bodies. The SIT is continuing exhumation operations.

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