The long-standing Dharmasthala burial case has reached a crucial turning point. On July 31, 2025, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) recovered skeletal remains at excavation site number 6 in Dharmasthala, Karnataka. This discovery is the first physical evidence in the mass burial allegations that have caused public outrage across the state.
This article explains the latest developments, how the case reached this stage, and what happens next.
Table of Contents
🕵️♂️ What is the Dharmasthala Mass Burial Case?
In early July 2025, a former sanitation worker from Dharmasthala temple came forward with shocking allegations. He claimed that over the years, he was forced to secretly bury multiple human bodies, many of them being alleged victims of crimes. According to him, these incidents occurred between 1995 and 2014.
The whistleblower even submitted photographs and detailed maps of 13 specific burial sites, demanding a formal investigation. His allegations triggered widespread protests and media attention, leading the Karnataka government to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under DGP Pronab Mohanty on July 19, 2025.
⛏️ Excavation Begins: Search for Truth
After days of planning, the SIT began excavation at the sites identified by the whistleblower. Initially, the team faced setbacks as the first five sites did not yield any human remains. However, some items like torn clothing and identity cards were found, though officials did not confirm if they were linked to any criminal case.
🧱 Site 6: The First Breakthrough
The biggest breakthrough came on July 31, 2025, when the SIT unearthed partial human skeletal remains buried approximately four feet below ground at site number 6. This discovery is being considered a major turning point, as it is the first solid forensic evidence supporting the whistleblower’s claims.
The recovered bones have been sent for forensic analysis and DNA testing to determine the identity of the victim and uncover the cause of death.
🔬 What’s Next in the Investigation?
With this significant find, the SIT’s investigation has gained momentum. Experts from forensic labs are now conducting advanced tests, including bone analysis, DNA matching, and toxicology reports. The SIT is also revisiting missing person cases from the Dharmasthala region that date back two decades.
The SIT has announced that excavation will continue at the remaining sites. If further remains are found, this case could expose a larger network of cover-ups and criminal negligence.
🗣️ Public Reactions and Political Impact
The case has sparked huge public outcry in Karnataka. Social media platforms have been flooded with demands for justice, with many urging for the probe to be conducted under judicial supervision.
Several activists and advocacy groups, including AIDWA (All India Democratic Women’s Association), have demanded that the SIT be granted full autonomy, free from political interference.
Meanwhile, the state government has remained cautious, stating that no conclusions will be drawn until the investigation is complete. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah assured that strict action will be taken if the allegations are proven true.
🛡️ Challenges Ahead: Can SIT Ensure a Fair Investigation?
While the discovery of human remains is a significant breakthrough, the case still faces multiple challenges:
- Ensuring the safety of the whistleblower and witnesses.
- Avoiding political influence over the investigation.
- Verifying the authenticity of recovered evidence through scientific methods.
- Bringing long-overdue justice to families of the missing victims.
The SIT, led by officers such as DGP Pronab Mohanty and DIG M. N. Anucheth, is under immense pressure to handle the case with transparency and integrity.
READ ALSO : Dharmasthala Files SIT Investigation: What’s Happening Now?
📢 Why This Case Matters to Karnataka and Beyond
- This case is not just about Dharmasthala — it reflects the larger issues of crime cover-ups, abuse of power, and delayed justice.
- It could lead to the reopening of other missing person cases in the region.
- A fair investigation could restore public faith in the system, while a cover-up could lead to further public outrage and protests.
🔑 Conclusion: A Long Road Ahead for Truth and Justice
The discovery of skeletal remains at Site 6 is a critical milestone in the Dharmasthala burial case, but this is just the beginning. With more excavation sites to investigate and several forensic reports pending, the case’s outcome remains uncertain.
However, this incident has already ignited a wider conversation on the need for unbiased, thorough investigations into historical crimes that were overlooked or buried—literally.
The people of Karnataka are watching closely, hoping that this time, the truth will not be silenced.
