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.

Disturbing allegations have surfaced from Dharmasthala, Karnataka, involving alleged mass graves, corruption, and sexual violence—over decades and without official investigation until now.

Background of the Allegations & Whistleblower Testimony

In mid‑July 2025, a 48‑year‑old ex‑sanitation worker came forward claiming he was forced to bury bodies—many showing signs of sexual assault—between 1995 and 2014 in the forests near Dharmasthala Temple. The victims, he alleged, included minors and acid-attack survivors.
He filed a sworn statement under Section 183 of BNSS (equivalent to CrPC 164), and an FIR was registered on 4 July under Section 211(a) for suppressing reportable information.

Formation of SIT & Scope of Investigation

On 19 July 2025, the Karnataka government formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by DGP Pronab Mohanty, to probe these allegations across Karnataka. The SIT is mandated to reopen cases, examine missing persons, and oversee exhumation of mapped burial sites.
SIT’s office has been set up in Mallikatte (Mangaluru), and a public hotline activated to encourage more witnesses.

Exhumation Update: Sites, Findings & Forensic Evidence

Site Map & Progress

SIT identified 13 alleged graves; by Day 3, remains were discovered at Site 6. On Day 4, Sites 7 and 8 yielded no findings. Day 5 covered Sites 9 and 10—also dry, partly due to rainfall.

Evidence Found

15 skeletal bone fragments (suspected male) were recovered at Site 6. Forensic experts collected soil, a PAN card, rope, clothing, and electronic items to establish identification.
Sites 7–10 remain empty, but excavations continue under court supervision, with heavy documentation by forensic teams.

New Witness & RTI Revelation

On 2 August, activist Jayanth T. appeared at SIT office in Belthangady claiming to have seen a teenage girl being buried—illegally, without post-mortem. He was asked to return Monday to present spot evidence.
Earlier RTI disclosures revealed that Belthangady police destroyed death registers, post-mortem files, missing complaints, and photos (2000–2015)—the same period under scrutiny. Jayanth described the burial as “like one would bury a dog”.

Wider Context & Social Response

Legacy Cases Under Re‑examination

Activists and AIDWA demand SIT probe into cold cases including Padmalatha (1986), Vedavalli, Soujanya, Yamuna, and others—some dating decades back without resolution.

Public & Official Reactions

AIDWA passed a resolution urging full autonomy for SIT, protection for complainants, and thorough investigation of linked unsolved cases.
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah pledged legal transparency, while activists continue to amplify demands for justice.

FAQs

Q1: What is the Dharmasthala mass burial case about?

A whistleblower alleges he was forced to bury hundreds of women, children, and destitute individuals between 1995–2014 near the Dharmasthala temple. The SIT is now investigating fatal crimes, coerced burials, and destroyed records.

Q2: What evidence has SIT uncovered so far?

On Day 3, the SIT recovered 15 skeletal fragments at Site 6 along with personal effects including a PAN card. Other sites remain under excavation.

Q3: Who is the new witness and what did he allege?

RTI activist Jayanth T filed a complaint alleging he witnessed a teenage girl being illegally buried without procedures—citing destroyed police records and fear-driven silence.

Q4: What corruption or cover-up is alleged?

Belthangady police allegedly destroyed unnatural death registers and missing person records (2000–2015). Jayanth claims that evidence was erased intentionally to prevent identification.

Q5: How is SIT ensuring fairness for victims and witnesses?

SIT operates from a secure office in Mallikatte, has set up a public hotline, granted witness protection, and awaits more testimonies. Bodies will be forensically analyzed, and legal proceedings are underway.

Latest Posts

Helpful Resources

India Today: RTI revelations trigger shocking testimonies—buried “like one would bury a dog”. ([turn0search0]turn0search0)
Times of India: SIT finds partial skeletal remains on Day 3. ([turn0news19]turn0news19)
Times of India: No remains found at other sites—Day 4 and Day 5 updates. ([turn0news20]turn0news20turn0news18)
New Indian Express / The News Minute: New witness files complaint alleging illegal burial of teen girl. ([turn0search3]turn0search2)
Wikipedia: Dharmasthala mass burial case overview—timeline, allegations, SIT formation. ([turn0search30]turn0search30)

Conclusion

The Dharmasthala mass burial case has unearthed deeply disturbing claims—illegal mass burials, sexual violence, and institutional cover-ups spanning decades. With SIT’s ongoing excavation and forensic evidence, witness protection, and public outcry intensifying pressure, the investigation may soon reveal truths buried by fear and corruption. At stake is not only accountability but restoration of faith in justice for countless victims and families.