Dharmasthala SIT begins recreation of scenes where skulls found in Banglegudde

Mangaluru

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the mass burial case has begun recreating the crime scenes where eight skulls were recovered. In addition, the team of experts and police personnel will undertake a similar exercise for the skull that was picked up by Vittal Gowda from the same area. Banglegudde is a hillock located in Dharmasthala village of Dakshina Kannada district.

Sources in the Home Department said that DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) extracted from two skeletal remains has matched with the DNA profiles of missing persons. However, the identities of the missing persons whose DNA matched were not disclosed. The sources added that more skeletal remains are expected to be identified during the course of the investigation. They also noted that Banglegudde is being treated as a crime scene.

According to sources, the SIT has been engaged in the recreation exercise over the last two days and has brought in an expert from K S Hegde Hospital, Deralakatte. The team has also arranged a generator to ensure uninterrupted power supply at the hillock during the process. Investigators and experts are expected to carry laptops, reportedly to assist in computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D visualisation of the scenes.

On Thursday (May 21, 2026), Pradeep Kulal, who witnessed Vittal Gowda picking up a skull from Banglegudde, was also asked to accompany the team. Kulal was instructed to wear the same shirt he had worn on the day he visited the site with Gowda in March 2024. He is expected to participate in the recreation exercise connected to the recovery of that skull. He gave statement under Section 183 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) about procuring the skull

It should be noted that this is the same skull that accused C N Chinnayya had produced before the court as evidence while recording his statement under Section 183 of the BNSS. Before being named as an accused, he had been treated as a witness-complainant. He was also wearing a mask until his arrest by the SIT.

Sources said the recreation exercise is a painstaking and time-intensive process. Investigators are therefore expected to make multiple visits to Banglegudde and spend long hours at the hillock as part of the exercise.