MANGALURU: The Special Investigation Team (SIT), which is investigating the Dharmasthala mass burial case, on Monday found human skeletal remains close to the 11th alleged burial site.
The SIT officials and the witness-complainant had entered the forested area on the highway side in Dharmasthala village on Monday to resume exhumation at site no 11 at around 11 pm.
According to sources, before they could start the exhumation, the complainant told the officials that he would show a fresh spot and while they were on the way, they found the human remains under a tree on the ground.
The human remains including a skull, a few bones, a rib and a knotted saree and male slippers, were found around 80 meters away from the alleged burial site no 11, an official associated with the SIT told TNIE on condition of anonymity. Those involved in the exhumation were seen carrying a bag full of salt to the spot, said sources.
The mysterious death could have occured just few years ago, sources said.
The remains will be sent for forensic analysis to determine the exact cause of death. Police sources said a case of unnatural death will be registered at the Dharmasthala police station, and further investigation will be taken up.
The exhumation process in connection with the investigation into the Dharmasthala mass burial case resumed on Monday for the sixth day after being paused on Sunday due to the unavailability of revenue and other department officials and staff.
Earlier on Saturday, the efforts of the SIT didn't yield any results at spot 9 and 10, even after digging almost 8 feet using excavators. So far, out of the 13 alleged burial sites shown by the whistleblower, SIT has found human remains in only one of the sites.
Meanwhile, a fresh complaint was lodged at the Dharmasthala police station on Monday, regarding the mysterious death of a teenage girl that happened more than 15 years ago. The complaint was filed by an individual named Jayanth, a social activist and a resident of Ichilampady in Belthangady taluk.
TNIE had earlier reported that the activist had visited the SIT office in Belthangady on Saturday to lodge the complaint and submit details of the death. He had alleged that the girl's body, found in a decomposed state, was buried without any legal procedures.
However, he was redirected by the investigation team to the Dharmasthala police station where his complaint was registerd on Monday. Dakshina Kannada SP Dr Arun K said his complaint has been received and further necessary action would be taken.
