Forensic analysis confirms one skull recovered from Banglegudde belongs to a female

Bengaluru

A crucial breakthrough has emerged in the investigation into the alleged mass burial case at Dharmasthala, with forensic analysis revealing that one of the eight skulls recovered by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) from the Banglegudde hillock belonged to a female. The finding is considered significant as it counters widespread speculation that none of the recovered human remains were that of a woman.

A highly placed source in the Home Department shared details of the forensic report with blrpost.com. According to the findings, the SIT’s extensive search operation at Banglegudde led to the recovery of eight skulls and more than 1,000 human bones from different locations on the hillock.

As part of the scientific investigation, the SIT collected blood samples from relatives of several persons reported missing from Dharmasthala and nearby regions. The DNA profiles of these relatives were then compared with genetic material extracted from the recovered skulls and skeletal remains in an effort to establish the identities of the deceased.

The forensic report accessed by this website has confirmed that the DNA of two recovered skulls matched with the DNA samples of two missing persons. One of them has been identified as U B Ayyappa, who had gone missing in 2017. His identity card had earlier been recovered from Banglegudde, the same area where the skulls and other skeletal remains were unearthed.

The DNA match effectively confirms Ayyappa’s death, bringing an end to years of uncertainty faced by his family regarding his disappearance. Investigators are expected to use this confirmation to further strengthen the ongoing probe into the circumstances surrounding the deaths and burials in the area.

The revelation that one of the skulls belonged to a female is also likely to become a key aspect of the investigation. It puts to rest rumours and claims circulating in public that no female remains had been found among the recovered skeletal material. The SIT is now expected to seek necessary permissions to continue further investigation at Banglegudde to ascertain the identities of other victims and establish the circumstances that led to their deaths.

SIT to submit detailed report before High Court

Meanwhile, the SIT is preparing to submit a comprehensive report on its investigation before the High Court in compliance with the notice issued after the admission of Writ Petition (WP) No. 17331/2026 filed by accused C N Chinnayya.

The investigating team will also place its final report before the Belthangady court as part of the legal proceedings connected to the case.

Sources within the SIT stated that the allegations made in the writ petition regarding a purported ₹200-crore conspiracy to malign the Dharmasthala Temple administration are unfounded. According to the sources, Chinnayya had allegedly received only a small amount of money and not the huge sum claimed in the petition.

The developments come at a time when the case has received renewed attention at the government level. Home Minister Priyank Kharge has sought a detailed briefing on the Dharmasthala investigation after assuming charge in the present Chief Minister D K Shivakumar-led government.