Dharmasthala Mass Burial Case: Whistleblower Claims, SIT Findings & RTI Revelations (2025)

A whistleblower alleges he was coerced to bury hundreds of bodies—many of them minors and women—near Dharmasthala temple. Skeletal remains recovered by the SIT corroborate some claims amid growing public outrage in Karnataka.

Introduction: Unprecedented Allegations Rock Karnataka’s Religious Hub

The tranquil pilgrimage town of Dharmasthala in Karnataka has become the center of one of the most shocking criminal investigations in recent Indian history. Disturbing allegations of mass burials, systematic cover-ups, and decades of alleged crimes have emerged, prompting the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and raising fundamental questions about institutional accountability and justice.

In July 2025, revelations from a former sanitation worker have unveiled claims of hundreds of clandestine burials spanning nearly two decades, from 1995 to 2014. These allegations, if proven true, represent a systematic failure of law enforcement and administrative oversight that has allowed alleged crimes to remain hidden for over a decade.

The case has galvanized civil society, human rights organizations, and judicial authorities, leading to an intensive investigation that may reshape understanding of how such extensive alleged criminal activities could persist undetected in one of Karnataka’s most prominent religious destinations.

The Whistleblower’s Testimony: Breaking Decades of Silence

Background of the Primary Witness

The central figure in these revelations is a 48-year-old former sanitation worker who broke his silence in mid-July 2025 after carrying the burden of alleged knowledge for over a decade. His decision to come forward represents a pivotal moment in what may become one of India’s most significant criminal investigations involving alleged mass graves.

The whistleblower’s testimony, filed under Section 183 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), equivalent to the former CrPC Section 164, carries significant legal weight as a sworn statement before judicial authorities. This procedural step demonstrates the gravity with which authorities are treating his allegations.

Details of the Allegations

According to the whistleblower’s sworn statement, he was allegedly coerced into participating in the burial of numerous individuals in forested areas near the renowned Dharmasthala Temple complex between 1995 and 2014. The allegations include:

Systematic Coercion: Claims that he was forced to participate in these activities against his will, suggesting an organized operation rather than isolated incidents.

Vulnerable Victims: Allegations that many victims showed signs of sexual assault, with particular concern raised about minors and acid attack survivors among the alleged victims.

Extended Timeline: The nearly two-decade span (1995-2014) suggests a prolonged pattern of alleged criminal activity that evaded detection or investigation during that period.

Geographic Scope: The forested areas near Dharmasthala Temple, indicating the alleged use of remote locations to conceal evidence.

Legal Proceedings Initiated

On July 4, 2025, an FIR was registered under Section 211(a) for suppressing reportable information, marking the formal beginning of legal proceedings. This specific charge relates to the failure to report serious crimes, indicating that authorities are treating the case as involving both the alleged underlying crimes and potential cover-up activities.

The registration of the FIR represents a crucial step in legitimizing the whistleblower’s claims and providing a legal framework for comprehensive investigation.

Formation and Structure of the Special Investigation Team

High-Level Government Response

Recognizing the gravity and scope of the allegations, the Karnataka government acted swiftly to establish a Special Investigation Team on July 19, 2025. The formation of an SIT indicates the state government’s acknowledgment that these allegations require specialized investigation capabilities beyond regular police procedures.

Leadership and Expertise

The SIT is headed by DGP Pronab Mohanty, one of Karnataka’s most senior and experienced police officers. The selection of such a high-ranking official to lead the investigation demonstrates the importance the state government places on ensuring thorough and credible investigations.

DGP Mohanty brings decades of experience in complex criminal investigations, including cases involving organized crime, corruption, and sensitive social issues. His leadership provides the investigation with necessary authority and expertise to navigate the complex legal, social, and political dimensions of this case.

Operational Framework and Mandate

The SIT has been granted comprehensive powers to:

Reopen Historical Cases: Authority to examine and potentially reopen cold cases and unsolved disappearances from the relevant time period.

Examine Missing Person Reports: Systematic review of missing person cases that may be connected to the alleged burial sites.

Oversee Forensic Operations: Direct supervision of exhumation processes and forensic analysis of recovered evidence.

Coordinate Multi-Agency Response: Integration of various law enforcement agencies, forensic experts, and judicial authorities.

Witness Protection: Implementation of measures to protect witnesses and encourage additional testimonies.

Operational Base and Public Engagement

The SIT has established its operational headquarters in Mallikatte, Mangaluru, strategically located to coordinate investigations across the broader region. This location provides:

Accessibility: Convenient access for witnesses and investigators from various parts of coastal Karnataka
Security: Secure facilities for conducting sensitive interviews and storing evidence
Coordination: Central location for managing multi-site excavation operations

A dedicated public hotline has been activated to encourage additional witnesses to come forward, recognizing that such extensive alleged criminal activity may have involved numerous individuals with relevant information.

Excavation Operations: Methodical Search for Evidence

Site Identification and Mapping

The SIT has identified 13 potential burial sites based on the whistleblower’s testimony and additional intelligence gathered during preliminary investigations. These sites have been systematically mapped and prioritized for excavation based on various factors including:

Accessibility for forensic teams
Likelihood of evidence preservation
Witness testimony reliability
Geographic distribution across the alleged crime area

Day-by-Day Excavation Progress

Day 1-2: Preparation and Initial Operations

The excavation operations began with extensive preparation including:

Deployment of forensic experts and specialized equipment
Establishment of crime scene protocols
Documentation procedures for evidence collection
Coordination with judicial oversight authorities

Day 3: First Significant Discovery at Site 6

The investigation achieved its first major breakthrough on Day 3 when excavation teams discovered human remains at Site 6. The findings included:

Skeletal Remains: 15 bone fragments suspected to belong to a male individual, based on preliminary forensic assessment.

Personal Effects: Recovery of various items that could aid in victim identification, including:

A PAN card, which could provide direct identification of at least one victim
Clothing fragments that may yield DNA evidence or other forensic markers
Rope, potentially indicating the method used in the alleged crimes
Electronic items that could provide additional identification or timeline evidence

Day 4: Sites 7 and 8 Investigation

Excavation efforts continued at Sites 7 and 8, but yielded no human remains or significant evidence. This outcome demonstrates the methodical approach being taken by the SIT, ensuring that all potential sites are thoroughly investigated regardless of initial results.

Day 5: Sites 9 and 10 Challenges

Weather conditions, particularly rainfall, impacted excavation efforts at Sites 9 and 10. The challenging conditions highlight the logistical difficulties involved in conducting forensic excavations in forested terrain, particularly during monsoon season.

Despite these challenges, the SIT has maintained its commitment to thorough investigation of all identified sites, recognizing that weather-related delays are temporary obstacles rather than permanent impediments to the investigation.

Forensic Analysis and Evidence Processing

All recovered evidence is being processed through Karnataka’s forensic laboratories with oversight from specialized experts in:

Anthropological Analysis: Determination of victim demographics, cause of death, and time since death DNA Analysis: Comparison with missing person databases and family DNA samples Materials Analysis: Examination of clothing, rope, and other materials for trace evidence Digital Forensics: Analysis of any electronic devices for data recovery and timeline establishment

New Witness Testimony: Expanding the Investigation

Jayanth T.’s Emergence as Second Witness

On August 2, 2025, the investigation received additional momentum when RTI activist Jayanth T. appeared at the SIT office in Belthangady with new allegations. His emergence as a second witness provides crucial corroboration for the primary whistleblower’s claims and expands the scope of alleged criminal activity.

Details of New Allegations

Jayanth T.’s testimony includes specific claims about witnessing the illegal burial of a teenage girl, described in his words as conducted “like one would bury a dog.” This disturbing characterization suggests:

Dehumanizing Treatment: The alleged manner of burial indicates complete disregard for human dignity and legal procedures.

Youth of Victim: The specific mention of a teenage girl adds another dimension of alleged crime involving minors.

Procedural Violations: Claims that the burial was conducted without proper post-mortem examination or legal documentation.

Request for Evidence Presentation

The SIT has requested that Jayanth T. return with specific evidence to support his claims, indicating the professional and methodical approach being taken to evaluate all testimony. This request demonstrates:

Evidence-Based Investigation: Commitment to corroborating witness testimony with physical evidence
Due Process: Ensuring that all claims are properly documented and verified
Witness Cooperation: Encouraging detailed cooperation from individuals with potentially relevant information

RTI Revelations: Systematic Destruction of Records

Discovery of Destroyed Documentation

Perhaps the most damaging revelation in the case has been the discovery, through Right to Information (RTI) requests, that Belthangady police systematically destroyed crucial records covering the period 2000-2015. This destruction encompasses:

Unnatural Death Registers: Official records of deaths requiring investigation Post-Mortem Files: Medical examination records of deceased individuals Missing Person Complaints: Reports of disappearances that may be connected to alleged crimes Photographic Evidence: Visual documentation that could have aided in victim identification

Timeline Correlation

The destruction of records covering 2000-2015 directly overlaps with the alleged period of criminal activity (1995-2014), raising serious questions about whether this destruction was coincidental or deliberate. The timing suggests potential systematic efforts to eliminate evidence that could have exposed the alleged crimes much earlier.

Implications for Justice

The destruction of these records has created significant challenges for the current investigation:

Evidence Gaps: Missing documentation that could have provided crucial leads for victim identification Pattern Analysis: Inability to analyze trends in disappearances or unnatural deaths during the relevant period Family Closure: Difficulties in providing answers to families of missing persons from that era Systemic Accountability: Questions about administrative oversight and record-keeping protocols

Historical Context and Cold Cases

Legacy of Unsolved Cases

The Dharmasthala investigation has prompted renewed attention to numerous unsolved cases from previous decades, with civil rights organizations and activists calling for comprehensive review of cold cases that may be connected to the current allegations.

Specific Cases Under Renewed Scrutiny

Padmalatha Case (1986)

One of the oldest cases now being reconsidered in light of current allegations, the Padmalatha case represents the potential scope of historical crimes that may require re-examination. The nearly four-decade gap since this case highlights the extent to which alleged criminal activities may have persisted undetected.

Recent Unsolved Cases

Additional cases involving Vedavalli, Soujanya, Yamuna, and other victims have been highlighted by activists as potentially connected to the systematic patterns alleged in the current investigation. These cases represent:

Pattern Recognition: Potential common elements in victim profiles or circumstances
Geographic Connections: Possible links to the Dharmasthala area or related networks
Temporal Correlations: Timing that may coincide with the alleged peak period of criminal activity

Implications for Justice System Reform

The emergence of these historical connections has raised broader questions about:

Cold Case Protocols: Systematic approaches to reviewing and potentially reopening unsolved cases Inter-Agency Coordination: Improved communication between different police jurisdictions and time periods Technology Integration: Use of modern forensic techniques to re-examine historical evidence Victim Family Support: Comprehensive assistance for families who have waited decades for answers

Civil Society Response and Advocacy

AIDWA and Women’s Rights Organizations

The All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) has played a prominent role in advocating for comprehensive investigation and justice. Their formal resolution demonstrates organized civil society engagement with the case, calling for:

SIT Autonomy: Complete independence from local political pressures or administrative interference Witness Protection: Comprehensive safety measures for individuals coming forward with testimony Connected Case Investigation: Systematic review of potentially related unsolved cases Transparency: Regular public updates on investigation progress and findings

Broader Advocacy Coalition

Beyond AIDWA, numerous human rights organizations, legal advocacy groups, and social justice activists have mobilized around this case, recognizing its potential significance for:

Institutional Accountability: Ensuring that alleged systemic failures are addressed comprehensively Victim Rights: Advocating for recognition and justice for alleged victims and their families Legal Reform: Promoting changes to prevent similar alleged systematic crimes in the future Social Justice: Addressing broader issues of violence against women and vulnerable populations

Government and Political Response

Chief Minister’s Commitment

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has publicly pledged legal transparency and comprehensive investigation, providing crucial high-level political support for the SIT’s work. This commitment includes:

Resource Allocation: Ensuring adequate funding and personnel for thorough investigation Political Protection: Shielding the investigation from political interference Public Accountability: Commitment to sharing appropriate information with the public Justice Delivery: Focus on achieving meaningful legal outcomes rather than administrative closure

Legislative and Policy Implications

The case has prompted discussions about potential legislative and policy reforms including:

Record Retention Policies: Strengthened requirements for maintaining critical law enforcement records Inter-Agency Protocols: Improved coordination mechanisms for complex, multi-jurisdictional cases Witness Protection Enhancement: Expanded legal protections for individuals reporting serious crimes Oversight Mechanisms: Strengthened administrative oversight of law enforcement agencies

Forensic Science and Technology Integration

Advanced Forensic Techniques

The investigation is employing state-of-the-art forensic technologies including:

Ground Penetrating Radar: Non-invasive detection of potential burial sites DNA Analysis: Advanced genetic testing for victim identification and familial connections Soil Analysis: Chemical and biological examination of burial site soil for evidence Digital Reconstruction: Computer-aided analysis of crime scene evidence and timelines

International Cooperation and Expertise

Given the complexity and scale of the investigation, Karnataka authorities have engaged with:

National Forensic Agencies: Central Bureau of Investigation forensic laboratories Academic Institutions: University-based research centers specializing in forensic anthropology International Experts: Consultation with specialists in mass grave investigations from other countries Technology Providers: Companies specializing in forensic equipment and analytical software

Challenges and Obstacles in the Investigation

Evidence Degradation and Environmental Factors

The significant time gap since the alleged crimes presents numerous challenges:

Decomposition: Natural processes that may have eliminated or degraded physical evidence Environmental Impact: Weather, wildlife, and vegetation growth affecting burial sites Contamination: Potential mixing of evidence or introduction of foreign materials over time Site Accessibility: Difficulty accessing remote forest locations with necessary equipment

Legal and Procedural Complexities

The investigation faces numerous legal challenges:

Statute of Limitations: Ensuring that serious crimes remain prosecutable despite time gaps Evidence Admissibility: Meeting legal standards for evidence collection and preservation Witness Credibility: Establishing reliability of testimony from events occurring decades ago Jurisdictional Issues: Coordinating across multiple police districts and administrative boundaries

Social and Cultural Sensitivities

Operating in and around a major religious site presents unique challenges:

Cultural Respect: Balancing investigation needs with religious and cultural sensitivities Community Relations: Maintaining public support while conducting potentially disruptive excavations Media Management: Handling intense public and media attention responsibly Stakeholder Engagement: Coordinating with religious authorities, local communities, and pilgrims

Impact on Dharmasthala’s Religious and Social Fabric

Religious Community Response

The allegations have created significant concerns within the religious community associated with Dharmasthala Temple, one of Karnataka’s most important pilgrimage sites. The community faces challenges including:

Reputation Management: Addressing concerns about the temple’s association with the alleged crimes Spiritual Impact: Managing the effect on devotees and pilgrims who hold the site sacred Community Unity: Maintaining cohesion despite the serious allegations and investigation Institutional Integrity: Demonstrating commitment to justice and truth-seeking

Economic and Social Implications

The investigation has broader implications for the local economy and social structure:

Tourism Impact: Potential effects on pilgrimage tourism and related economic activity Employment Concerns: Impact on local businesses and workers dependent on religious tourism Social Trust: Effects on community relationships and inter-personal trust Development Plans: Potential impact on local development projects and infrastructure plans

International Context and Comparative Cases

Global Precedents for Mass Grave Investigations

The Dharmasthala case can be understood within the context of similar international investigations:

Argentina’s Dirty War: Systematic investigation of mass graves from military dictatorship period Bosnia-Herzegovina: Post-conflict mass grave investigations and victim identification efforts Guatemala’s Civil War: Truth commission investigations into systematic disappearances Colombia’s Missing Persons: Ongoing efforts to locate and identify victims of internal conflict

Lessons from International Experience

International precedents provide valuable insights for the Dharmasthala investigation:

Systematic Approaches: Comprehensive methodologies for site identification and excavation Victim Identification: Advanced techniques for identifying remains and connecting with families Community Engagement: Strategies for maintaining public support throughout lengthy investigations Justice Mechanisms: Legal frameworks for prosecuting historical crimes and providing victim redress

Future Trajectory and Expected Outcomes

Investigation Timeline and Milestones

The SIT has outlined several key phases for the ongoing investigation:

Immediate Phase (August-October 2025): Complete excavation of all 13 identified sites Analysis Phase (November 2025-January 2026): Comprehensive forensic analysis of all recovered evidence Identification Phase (February-April 2026): Victim identification and family notification processes Legal Phase (May 2026 onwards): Formal charges and legal proceedings based on investigation findings

Potential Legal Outcomes

Depending on investigation findings, potential legal outcomes could include:

Criminal Charges: Prosecution of individuals involved in alleged crimes Civil Remedies: Compensation or other redress for victim families Administrative Action: Disciplinary measures against officials who may have failed in their duties Systemic Reforms: Changes to policies and procedures to prevent similar incidents

Long-term Implications for Justice System

The case may have lasting effects on Karnataka’s criminal justice system:

Precedent Setting: Establishing standards for investigating historical crimes Institutional Reform: Changes to law enforcement procedures and oversight mechanisms Public Confidence: Impact on citizen trust in law enforcement and judicial institutions Prevention Mechanisms: Development of systems to detect and prevent similar alleged crimes

Media Coverage and Public Information

Responsible Journalism Challenges

The case presents significant challenges for media coverage:

Accuracy Requirements: Ensuring factual reporting while investigation is ongoing Sensitivity Concerns: Respecting victim dignity and family privacy Legal Limitations: Operating within legal constraints on reporting ongoing investigations Public Interest: Balancing transparency needs with investigation integrity

Information Management and Transparency

The SIT and government authorities face complex decisions about public information sharing:

Regular Updates: Providing sufficient information to maintain public confidence Evidence Protection: Ensuring that premature disclosure doesn’t compromise the investigation Stakeholder Communication: Coordinating information sharing with multiple interested parties Misinformation Combat: Addressing false information and speculation circulating publicly

Conclusion: Pursuing Justice Through Systematic Investigation

The Dharmasthala mass burial investigation represents one of the most significant criminal investigations in recent Karnataka history. The emergence of detailed allegations spanning nearly two decades, combined with the systematic destruction of official records, has created a complex web of claimed crimes and alleged cover-ups that demands comprehensive investigation and accountability.

The formation of a Special Investigation Team under experienced leadership, combined with advanced forensic techniques and systematic excavation procedures, provides a foundation for thorough and credible investigation. The discovery of human remains and physical evidence at multiple sites lends credibility to the whistleblower’s allegations and suggests that the investigation may uncover significant evidence of historical crimes.

However, the case also highlights broader systemic issues including the alleged destruction of official records, the potential failure of oversight mechanisms, and the challenges of investigating historical crimes after significant time delays. These systemic concerns require attention beyond the immediate criminal investigation to ensure that similar alleged crimes cannot occur undetected in the future.

The involvement of civil society organizations, political leadership commitment, and public attention provides crucial support for comprehensive investigation and accountability. The case has mobilized significant resources and expertise, demonstrating the seriousness with which authorities and society are treating these grave allegations.

As the investigation continues, the focus must remain on systematic evidence collection, rigorous forensic analysis, and fair legal procedures that ensure justice for alleged victims while maintaining appropriate legal standards for any accused individuals. The ultimate success of this investigation will be measured not only by its ability to uncover historical truth but also by its contribution to preventing similar alleged crimes and strengthening institutional accountability.

The Dharmasthala case stands as a crucial test of India’s criminal justice system’s ability to investigate complex historical crimes, provide justice for alleged victims, and maintain public confidence in law enforcement institutions. The outcome of this investigation will have implications far beyond Karnataka, potentially influencing how similar cases are handled across India and contributing to broader discussions about institutional accountability and justice delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What are the specific allegations in the Dharmasthala mass burial case?

Answer: A 48-year-old former sanitation worker has alleged that he was forced to bury hundreds of bodies between 1995 and 2014 in forested areas near Dharmasthala Temple. His sworn statement, filed under Section 183 of BNSS on July 4, 2025, claims many victims showed signs of sexual assault, including minors and acid attack survivors. An FIR was registered under Section 211(a) for suppressing reportable information. The allegations span nearly two decades and involve systematic coercion, vulnerable victims, and the use of remote locations to conceal evidence.

Q2: What evidence has the Special Investigation Team (SIT) discovered so far?

Answer: By Day 3 of excavations, the SIT made its first significant discovery at Site 6, recovering 15 skeletal bone fragments suspected to belong to a male individual. Additional evidence found includes a PAN card for potential victim identification, rope that may indicate the method used in alleged crimes, clothing fragments for DNA analysis, and electronic items. Excavations at Sites 7-10 have not yielded remains, partly due to weather conditions. The SIT has identified 13 potential burial sites total, with systematic excavation ongoing under forensic supervision and court oversight.

Q3: Who is leading the investigation and what are their powers?

Answer: The Karnataka government formed a Special Investigation Team on July 19, 2025, headed by DGP Pronab Mohanty, one of Karnataka’s most senior police officers. The SIT has comprehensive powers including reopening historical cases, examining missing person reports from the relevant time period, overseeing forensic excavation operations, coordinating multi-agency responses, and implementing witness protection measures. Their operational headquarters is in Mallikatte, Mangaluru, with a dedicated public hotline activated to encourage additional witnesses to come forward.

Q4: What role does the new witness Jayanth T. play in the investigation?

Answer: RTI activist Jayanth T. emerged as a second witness on August 2, 2025, appearing at the SIT office in Belthangady with additional allegations. He claims to have witnessed the illegal burial of a teenage girl, describing it as conducted “like one would bury a dog” without proper post-mortem examination or legal documentation. The SIT has requested he return with specific evidence to support his claims. His testimony is significant because it provides potential corroboration for the primary whistleblower’s allegations and expands the scope of the investigation to include additional victims and procedural violations.

Q5: What records were destroyed and how does this impact the investigation?

Answer: RTI revelations showed that Belthangady police systematically destroyed crucial records covering 2000-2015, directly overlapping with the alleged crime period (1995-2014). Destroyed documentation includes unnatural death registers, post-mortem files, missing person complaints, and photographic evidence. This destruction creates significant investigation challenges including evidence gaps that could have provided victim identification leads, inability to analyze disappearance patterns during the relevant period, difficulties providing closure to families of missing persons, and serious questions about whether the destruction was coincidental or deliberate to cover up crimes.

Q6: What historical cold cases are being reconsidered in connection with this investigation?

Answer: Civil rights organizations, particularly AIDWA, are demanding the SIT probe connected cold cases including Padmalatha (1986), Vedavalli, Soujanya, Yamuna, and other victims dating back decades without resolution. The Padmalatha case from 1986 represents the potential scope of historical crimes requiring re-examination. These cases may share common elements in victim profiles, geographic connections to the Dharmasthala area, or temporal correlations with the alleged peak period of criminal activity. The investigation has raised broader questions about cold case protocols, inter-agency coordination, and the use of modern forensic techniques to re-examine historical evidence.

Q7: How are authorities ensuring witness protection and encouraging testimony?

Answer: The SIT has implemented multiple measures to protect witnesses and encourage additional testimony, including establishing a secure operational office in Mallikatte with restricted access, activating a dedicated public hotline for confidential reporting, providing witness protection measures for individuals coming forward, requesting comprehensive safety measures through civil society advocacy, and maintaining evidence-based investigation procedures that properly document and verify all claims. The professional handling of the primary whistleblower and systematic approach to new witness Jayanth T.’s testimony demonstrates the commitment to protecting those who come forward with information.

Q8: What are the broader implications of this investigation for Karnataka’s justice system?

Answer: The Dharmasthala investigation has far-reaching implications including potential legislative reforms for record retention policies, improved inter-agency coordination protocols for complex cases, enhanced witness protection legal frameworks, and strengthened administrative oversight of law enforcement agencies. The case may establish new precedents for investigating historical crimes, influence how similar cases are handled across India, impact public confidence in criminal justice institutions, and contribute to broader discussions about institutional accountability. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s commitment to legal transparency and the involvement of high-level officials demonstrates the case’s significance for governance and justice delivery in Karnataka.

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