NATIONAL: Dharmasthala Mass Grave Mystery Deepens
Ongoing Excavations at Dharmasthala
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) continues its rigorous investigation into the alleged mass burials at Dharmasthala, a revered temple town in Karnataka. On its sixth day, the SIT is focusing on the remaining three of the 13 identified sites, located near a highway adjacent to the Netravati River. The operation, guided by a former sanitation worker turned whistleblower, has intensified scrutiny on this spiritual hub.
Whistleblower’s Allegations
A 48-year-old former sanitation worker, under the Witness Protection Scheme, has made shocking claims of being coerced into burying over 100 bodies, primarily of women and minors, between 1998 and 2014. His testimony alleges that many victims bore signs of sexual assault and strangulation, prompting a high-stakes investigation into systemic cover-ups. The whistleblower’s insistence on personally guiding excavations underscores fears of evidence tampering.
Evidence Unearthed
On July 31, partial skeletal remains, including 10-12 hand and leg bones, were recovered from the sixth site near the Netravati River’s bathing ghat, marking a potential breakthrough. Forensic analysis, pending at the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), aims to determine the age, gender, and cause of death. Notably, no skull was found, complicating identification efforts.
- A PAN card and ATM card were found at the first site, linked to a man from Nelamangala who died of jaundice, raising questions about their presence in a suspected burial zone.
- A torn sari and additional skeletal fragments were uncovered at an unmarked 14th site on August 4, suggesting the whistleblower’s claims may extend beyond the initial 13 locations.
Challenges in Excavation
Persistent rainfall and wet soil have hindered excavation efforts, particularly at sites 11 and 12. The SIT’s earlier attempts at sites 8, 9, and 10, dug to a depth of 8 feet on Saturday, yielded no remains. Operations were paused on Sunday due to a holiday for revenue and other department officials, with the Anti-Naxal Force securing the sites.
Call for Advanced Technology
Advocates, including lawyer Manjunath representing Sujatha Bhat, whose daughter Ananya disappeared in 2003, are urging the use of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to enhance excavation precision. GPR, which detects subsurface anomalies like bones or cavities, could mitigate challenges posed by soil erosion and heavy rains over the past decade. The technology, costing between Rs. 10-50 lakhs, remains under consideration by the Karnataka government.
Ananya Bhat’s Case
Sujatha Bhat, a former CBI stenographer, has reignited hope that her daughter Ananya, missing since a 2003 college trip to Dharmasthala, may be among the victims. Her fresh complaint at the Belthangady police station demands a thorough probe, amplifying calls for justice in unresolved cases linked to the temple town.
Judicial Developments
On July 18, Additional Judge Vijay Kumar Roy issued an interim order to suppress 8,842 web links related to Dharmasthala allegations, citing potential bias due to his education at an SDM institution. The Karnataka High Court later stayed this order, and Judge Roy recused himself, emphasizing the need for impartiality. This development has fueled debates about transparency in the judicial process.
RTI Revelations
RTI activist Jayanth has highlighted the absence of unnatural death registers, postmortem reports, and photographs from 2000-2015 in Dharmasthala and surrounding areas. His claim of witnessing an illegal burial of a minor girl adds weight to allegations of systemic cover-ups, though higher authorities have yet to respond.
Public and Political Pressure
The case has sparked outrage, with activists and families demanding a court-monitored probe. The temple administration, led by the influential Heggade family, has expressed support for a transparent investigation. However, allegations of suppression, dating back to protests in the 1980s and the unresolved 2012 Sowjanya rape-murder case, continue to cast a shadow over the town’s legacy.
Path Forward
As the SIT nears completion of excavations, the focus remains on forensic analysis and potential new sites. The integration of GPR technology could prove pivotal, but its adoption hinges on state approval. With public skepticism mounting, the investigation’s credibility depends on unearthing not just remains but the truth behind decades of alleged crimes.